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 they are chosen to participate.
• Submit titles of poems 3 weeks  prior to the Ekphrastacy event. Complete and submit final drafts of poems at least 2 weeks 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. The Heights Writes Community Team will review applications twice each year. Applications submitted after the deadline(s) will be considered for the next application period.
  • The deadline to be considered for our July and September events is May 31.
  • The deadline to be considered for our February and April events is October 31.

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

Heights Poet Laureate:

Michelle R. Smith

Photo By: Jef Janis

For all inquiries and booking opportunities for the Heights Poet Laureate, apply below.