The call for entries to the 2017 Michael Adams Poetry Prize is now open. This year’s competition will be open to all English and Spanish poets as well and English and Spanish Spoken Word poets. All entries are due November 3, 2017. Named in honor of the late poet Michael Adams, the Michael Adams Poetry Prize (MAPP) aims to cultivate and inspire poetry while celebrating Lafayette’s commitment to community arts. Up to $1600 in prize money will be awarded at the public Michael Adams Poetry Prize & Reading on November 18.
MAPP is open to all Colorado adult and high school poets. The theme of this year’s competition is, “Social Justice” and/ or “The Natural World.” Prizes will be awarded in English Written Word, Spanish Written Word, English Spoken Word, and Spanish Spoken Word.
The finalist poets, in both written word categories are invited to read at a poetry reading on November 18, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at The Collective, 201 N. Public Road. The first 6 spoken word poets to enter, in each language, will be perform their poems at the event on November 18. Winners will be announced at the end of the reading. The event is free and open to the public.
All entries must be received by November 3; and adult entries require $10.00 entry fee per poem; high school student entries are free. Entry forms and additional info may be found at www.cityoflafayette.com/MAPP
Michael Adams was a founding board member of ARTS!Lafayette and longtime member and chair of Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission as well as a talented poet. Mike was a talented poet as well as a dedicated leader in the arts in Lafayette. He had a passion for poetry, the arts and community. He was an intelligent, thoughtful and guiding force for many. He had a huge heart and was a stellar volunteer. He lost his life to cancer in September 2013; this contest is named in his honor. The event is sponsored by LCAC and ARTS!Lafayette.