Since 1966, The Poetry Project has expanded access to literature, education, and opportunities for sharing one’s creative work in a radically open space and community. Premised on the vision that cultural action at the local level can inspire broader shifts in public consciousness, The Project is committed to developing, collaborating on, and presenting programming that challenges persistent social narratives, especially through the lens of poetry and performance. We do this work through a combination of live readings, performances, lectures, events, and workshops, in addition to literary and critical publications and emerging writers and curatorial fellowship programs.

The Poetry Project is based at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery, a vibrant artistic and community space which includes the St. Mark’s Church congregation, Danspace Project, and New York Theatre Ballet.

For an historical account of The Poetry Project, read Miles Champion's Insane Podium: A Short History of The Poetry Project, 1966–2012.