By Anna Bowman—
INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana Humanities is looking to select an official poet for the April 8, 2024 eclipse, an event that will not happen again until 2044.
Indiana is one of only a handful of states that are in the path of totality for the eclipse, and Hoosier poets everywhere are invited to submit an original poem inspired by this event. The poet who submits a poem that best reflects the significance of the eclipse will receive a cash prize of $500, the opportunity to read the poem during an eclipse watch party in Indianapolis and have their work featured on Indiana Humanities’ website and social media. A second-place prize of $200 and a third-place prize of $100 will be awarded, along with the opportunity to read at the April 8 event.
“For generations, eclipses have been spectacles for humans to ponder and make meaning from in the natural world,” said Megan Telligman, Indiana Humanities director of programs. “Though we’ve learned the science behind the eerie occurrences, eclipses still inspire artists and writers to depict these moments and we look forward to seeing how this unique Indiana event will be interpreted by Hoosiers.”
Submissions should be emailed as a PDF attachment to Megan Telligman, director of programs, at mtelligman@indianahumanities.org by Feb. 9, 2024. A panel of judges will choose the winner and runners-up. Winners will be notified by March 1, 2024, so that the poem and poet can be incorporated into the many special festivities surrounding the eclipse programming.
For more details about the guidelines and how to submit your poem, go to: https://indianahumanities.org/2024/01/04/eclipse24/
About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. Learn more at www.IndianaHumanities.org.
