One Night Only
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Virtual | Free and Open to All
Broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be available to watch through 12:30 a.m. ET.
This signature benefit reading features an exceptional group of celebrities and cultural leaders from across literature, film, music, and the arts reading inspiring and favorite poems in support of the Academy’s educational programs. Donations are encouraged and support K–12 poetry education.
2026 Leadership Award Honorees
The Adrian Brinkerhoff Poetry Foundation
U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze
Host
Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Tracy K. Smith
Featuring
Acclaimed soprano Julia Bullock
Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Louise Erdrich
Interdisciplinary artist Coco Fusco
Writer and book critic Dwight Garner
Jazz bassist and Grammy Award–winning composer Christian McBride
Actor and author Nick Offerman
Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers
Stage and screen actor John Rothman
Journalist, author, and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver
U.S. Poet Laureate and Chancellor Emeritus Arthur Sze
National Youth Poet Laureate Evan Wang
Academy Award–winning director Chloé Zhao
Join the Producers Circle
Producer Circle members provide much-needed funds for the Academy’s educational programs and enable the event to be broadcast to viewers around the world at no cost.
A Beloved Poetry Tradition
Since this event began in 2003, readers have included Uzo Aduba, Willem Dafoe, Claire Danes, Ethan Hawke, Bill T. Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Liam Neeson, Susan-Lori Parks, Maria Shriver, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Uma Thurman, Carrie Mae Weems, Dianne Wiest, Malala Yousafzai, as well as frequent Honorary Event Cochair Meryl Streep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for joining us for the encore presentation of Poetry & the Creative Mind. If you have a question, you might find it helpful to review the following.
When is the broadcast available?
The broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 3, and will be available to watch through 12:30 a.m. ET.
Can I stop and come back?
You can pause and play as much as you like, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 3, through 12:30 a.m. ET. Keep in mind the video will no longer be available at 12:30 a.m. ET.
Is the chat open?
Please note the chat is not open to viewers during this encore presentation.
Why is the video marked as “private”?
Please note that the video will be designated “private” until 7:30 p.m. ET.
Why am I having issues with the video?
If you’re experiencing technical difficulties, please try refreshing your browser.
Why am I having issues with sound?
If you’re having trouble hearing the audio, please make sure your volume is turned all the way up and that your video is not muted.
Why am I still having trouble accessing the video?
You may need to adjust YouTube parental controls on your YouTube channel. Learn more here: https://support.google.com/families/answer/10495678?hl=en.
Can you help me find the link?
Thank you for registering for Poetry & the Creative Mind. Please visit https://youtu.be/qwOy9rBtzog to view the encore presentation.
Where can I find an event program?
View the full event program, with reader bios, links to poems, and more, at https://poets.org/2026-poetry-creative-mind.
Is the event available to view later?
Unfortunately, Poetry & the Creative Mind 2026 is not available to view following this encore presentation.
Can I watch it on my TV?
If you watch TV using a device with a YouTube app, such as a smart TV, gaming system, Roku, or Fire Stick, you can locate tonight’s broadcast by searching for “Poetry & the Creative Mind 2026.”
From a browser, visit: https://youtu.be/qwOy9rBtzog
How long is the Poetry & the Creative Mind encore?
The program will run for approximately 80 minutes.
How can I make a donation?
Please visit poets.org/live to make your gift. If you are having difficulties or have a question, contact us at [email protected].
Not finding what you need?
Email the Academy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
