The Power and Pleasure of Poetry: 2011-2012
Maine Humanities Council Poetry-Related Grants
Many poets draw inspiration from the human experience, and the interpretation and discussion of poetry is an important humanities discipline. When perspectives and opinions are shared respectfully, people gain a better understanding of each other, strengthening community relationships. We invite applications for any public humanities program, including poetry. Here are a few examples of projects that involve poetry that we’ve funded in the past.
Digging Poetry
Belfast Free Library, Belfast
Discretionary Grant 2010
This reading and discussion series met on four Tuesdays in April (National Poetry Month) and was designed to develop a deeper appreciation of poetry within the Belfast community. A different aspect of contemporary American poetry was selected for each discussion, and eminent Maine poet/scholars were hired to facilitate each event.
Thin Blue Lines
Terra Moto Inc., Portland
Major Grant 2009
Thin Blue Lines is part of Portland's Arts & Equity Initiative, a national pilot project supported by the arts nonprofit Terra Moto, Inc. The project brings local poets and photographers together with Portland police officers and detectives to create poems and photographs that increase the department's, municipal government's and public's knowledge and appreciation of the work the police do. Included in the project is a series of three facilitated discussions about law enforcement and police/public relations based on readings of local contemporary poetry. Among the participants were professors, poets, city employees, elected politicians, and the police officer-poets who contributed to the Portland Police Department 2009 Calendar. Three discussions were held with Portland Police personnel, other city employees, and the general public (as part of the Portland Public Library’s Brown Bag Series). To learn more about these events please see www.artsandequity.us/pcal.htm.
