Each fall, the Academy of American Poets presents a free series of conversations exploring how different art forms engage with poetry. These conversations pair some of today’s most intriguing poets with accomplished artists, dancers, chefs, and actors. This series is supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council on the Arts.
Past Events
Mahogany L. Browne and Shaun Leonardo
On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore Café and Bar to present a conversation about art and action between Mahogany L. Browne, author of Black Girl Magic: A Poem and the forthcoming Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice and multidisciplinary artist Shaun Leonardo, whose work has been featured at The Guggenheim Museum and the High Line.
Madeleine Olnek and Marie Howe
On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore Café and Bar to present a conversation about the life and work of Emily Dickinson with poet Marie Howe, author of Magdalene and The Kingdom of Ordinary Time, and Madeleine Olnek, director of the 2018 film Wild Nights with Emily.
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Kimiko Hahn and Janna Levin
On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe to present a conversation between distinguished and award-winning poet Kimiko Hahn and astrophysicist Janna Levin, with an introduction by Academy Executive Director Jen Benka.
Richard Blanco and Jacob Bond Hessler
On Monday, December 10, 2018, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe to present a conversation between Presidential Inaugural Poet and Academy of American Poets Education Ambassador Richard Blanco and contemporary landscape photographer Jacob Bond Hessler.
Ellen Gallagher and Terrance Hayes
On October 25, 2017, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe to present a conversation between Academy Chancellor and National Book Award–winning poet Terrance Hayes and American Academy Award in Art winner Ellen Gallagher, with an introduction by Academy Executive Director Jen Benka.
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Elizabeth Alexander and Maria Popova
On September 25, 2017, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe to present a conversation between Academy Chancellor Elizabeth Alexander and Brain Pickings founder Maria Popova, with an introduction by Academy Executive Director Jen Benka.
Sam Durant and Robin Coste Lewis
On September 23, 2016, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe to present a conversation between multimedia artist Sam Durant and National Book Award-winning poet Robin Coste Lewis, with an introduction by Academy Executive Director Jen Benka.
Anne Waldman and Meredith Monk
On October 17, 2016, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe to present a conversation between Grammy-nominated composer, singer, and director/choreographer, Meredith Monk, and American Book Award-winning poet and former Academy Chancellor Anne Waldman, with an introduction by Academy Executive Director Jen Benka.
Yusef Komunyakaa and Cécile McLorin Salvant
On November 14, 2016, we partnered with Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe to present a conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, with an introduction by Academy Executive Director Jen Benka.
Claudia Rankine and Carrie Mae Weems
On September 9, 2015, we partnered with the New York Public Library to present a conversation featuring Academy of American Poets Chancellor Claudia Rankine and visual artist Carrie Mae Weems, with an introduction by Academy Chancellor Elizabeth Alexander. Rankine and Weems explored the intersection between visual art and poetry, and the differences between their processes.
Mark Doty and Bill T. Jones
On October 19, 2015, we partnered with the New York Public Library to present Academy of American Poets Chancellor Mark Doty with acclaimed choreographer Bill T. Jones to discuss language, silence, movement, the body, and their approaches to their art.
Kevin Young and Gabrielle Hamilton
On November 19, 2015, we partnered with the New York Public Library to present Marshall Poetry Prize winner Kevin Young with award-winning chef and author Gabrielle Hamilton to discuss how both poetry and food enrich, sustain, and bring people together.
Sharon Olds and Cynthia Nixon
On December 11, 2015, we partnered with the New York Public Library to feature a conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Sharon Olds and Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Cynthia Nixon. Olds and Nixon discussed the allure and enigma of Emily Dickinson (who Nixon plays in the film A Quiet Passion) as well as their approaches to their individual arts and engagement with others.