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Celebrating Artistic Expression
The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission is dedicated to promoting poetry through various channels, including publication, performance, education, workshops, and digital and social media. We are passionate about enriching lives through the values of poetry, creativity, and artistic expression across the state of Wisconsin. Join us in celebrating the power of poetry and the arts.
How It Works
This creative relay brings poets and visual artists together across Wisconsin’s nine regions. Here’s how to get involved:
Register to Join
Sign up as a poet or visual artist in your region. The first ten in each category will begin the first round of the creative relay.
Create Inspired Work
Poets write ekphrastic poems inspired by visual art. Artists create new artwork inspired by those poems. The relay continues — new poet to new artist until all who wish to have participated.
Pass It On & Watch It Grow
Each participant sends their finished work to the next person in the chain. The creative relay continues until everyone has contributed. All work is documented in the Archive.
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Can I attend a workshop before I begin?Yes! Workshops are optional but encouraged. Cárdenas, the Wisconsin Poet Laureate, will be hosting in-person sessions across the state. You can also access self-guided materials on the site if you prefer to work independently.
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Where will my work be shared?All completed poems and artwork will be featured in the Project Archive section of the site, organized by region.
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What is the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Project?This is a multi-pronged project which brings Wisconsin poets and visual artists together in a relay of ekphrastic works. Learn more about the project.
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What kind of visual art is allowed?Any medium is welcome — painting, drawing, photography, collage, fiber art, sculpture, digital work, and more. The only requirement is that you submit a clear photo of your piece for the archive.