Each year during National Poetry Month in April, the Academy of American Poets presents a signature celebration of poetry's important place in our culture and its impact on the lives of readers. Poetry & the Creative Mind features leading and legendary actors, artists, dancers, musicians, chefs, and other notable public figures sharing their favorite poems.
In 2023, Poetry & the Creative Mind was presented virtually on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. The evening raised more than $150,000 in support of the Academy of American Poets' Education Program, including National Poetry Month, Teach This Poem, and Dear Poet, which together annually reach more than 100,000 students.
Poetry & the Creative Mind is made possible each year thanks to the support of the the Producers Circle and the event’s corporate sponsors, including the publishers and companies helping to champion poetry and expand its readership of all ages as part of the Publishers Circle and the Young Readers Circle.
Past readers have included Uzo Aduba, Sam Beam, Glenn Close, Willem Dafoe, Claire Danes, Tina Fey, Terrance Howard, Bill T. Jones, Maya Lin, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Uma Thurman, and Carrie Mae Weems, as well as frequent Honorary Event Co-chair Meryl Streep.