If you are a poet in Northeast Ohio, we welcome your application to perform in the Heights Arts EKPHRASTACY Series.

About Ekphrastacy

The Ekphrastacy literary program is a series of artist talks + poetry readings held regularly in the Heights Arts gallery, in conjunction with our special exhibitions. Cleveland-area writers are invited by the current Poet Laureate to view the installed artworks and respond with a poem. Four weeks after the exhibition opens, the artists talk about their work and the poets read their poems, often resulting in a surprising dialogue. Participating poets receive an honorarium of $150.00 for their participation and the commissioning of a minimum of two and no more than five works.

Application Process

Poets must:

• Be available and agree to attend the corresponding opening for the event in which you are chosen to participate.
• Submit titles of poems 14 days prior to the Ekphrastacy event. Complete and submit final drafts of poems at least 7 days prior to the Ekphrastacy event. The Poet Laureate will work directly with you to curate the poems.

Please be prepared to:

1. Attach a sample of your work, with a minimum of 3 poems and no more than 3 pages of poetry in a single file.

2. Document your background and experience in the art form. If your work has been published, please tell us where, and / or where you have previously performed.

3. Describe how you have been involved in other community arts events, if applicable

4. Provide promotional materials including a headshot and bio about yourself. Should you be selected, you will be asked to help promote your program by connecting and interacting with Heights Arts on social media.

• IMPORTANT: the Team cannot evaluate your submission if you do not provide links / examples of your work.
• Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For consideration in the 2025 programming, please submit by late August, 2024. The Heights Writes Community Team will review applications in September and October, 2024. Poets will be notified in November, 2024 for placement in 2025. Any submitted applications after that will be considered for the next literary season.

Heights Arts cultivates a strong, collaborative arts community by inspiring people of all ages to engage in the arts; providing exhibition and performance opportunities; and fostering public appreciation for the arts.

Our Values:
• Excellence in programs and services to the community
• Be welcoming to people of all walks of life
• Collaborate with others to serve the community in depth
• Commit to financial and environmental sustainability
• Affirm the intrinsic value of the arts to human society