About the project
In collaboration with the Germantown Community Library, and Germantown Parks & Recreation, the Germantown Public Art Commission announces Word Travels, an annual sidewalk poetry contest. New, aspiring, or professional writers of any age, living or working in Germantown, can submit a poem or song lyric of up to 150 words. Poems should be unique and must not use copyrighted materials. The inaugural contest theme is Nature.
A selection committee made up of literary professionals, library staff, and community representatives will select five finalists and three semifinalists. Winners will receive a $250 award and their poems will be installed on sidewalks in city parks and along trail systems starting in the summer of 2021.
This project creates a unique opportunity for citizens of Germantown to participate in the city’s new public art program through a project that celebrates public spaces and the literary arts.
Should you have questions please contact Cat Peña, the Public Art Manager for the City of Germantown at: cpena@germantown-tn.gov
This project is a collaboration:
About the Mitch Major Memorial Fund
The Word Travels - Mitch Major Memorial Fund was established in 2021 in memory of highly esteemed GPAC board member and City of Germantown resident Mitch Major, whose fondness for literature shaped his entire life.
The Mitch Major Memorial Fund will be dedicated to sustaining Word Travels - an annual sidewalk poetry contest inspired by Mitch’s love for the literary arts, his passion for lifelong learning, and the joy he took sharing his discoveries in the world of the written word.
Poetry submissions will be judged each year, and selected works will be etched or stamped on city trails and park sidewalks, creating a wonderful chance for folks to serendipitously come across a piece of writing that might give them pause to think, imagine, laugh, or simply feel. With the opportunity for community-wide participation, including school-age children, the selected poems will eventually become a treasure trove of Germantown expression about all manner of things—including love, loss, friendship, nature, culture, and history.
To Donate:
Or mail your donation to:
Upcoming Contest:
Poetry Resources:
The Germantown Community Library https://www.germantown-tn.gov/services/library The circulating collection at the Germantown Community Library has a large selection of poetry books for all ages.
April is National Poetry Month (https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/) This site includes virtual tips for librarians and educators
The Poetry Learning Lab from the Poetry Foundation - The learning lab is a great source of knowledge, including a glossary of poetry terms, links to public domain poems, and inspiring essays on poetry from writers and educators. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/learn
