Tucson-based poets are invited to apply for two available slots in a “poets-in-residence” program to be run over a two-week period in November 2022 (flexible dates and hours). This project is based at the University of Arizona and is supported by a Research, Innovation and Impact Faculty Seed Grant award. The program will pair poets whose work specifically engages social and/or environmental justice issues with participating organizations dealing with similar issues in the community and beyond.

The broader aim of the project is to explore the existing and potential intersections between poetry and practice. Participating organizations for fall 2022 are the Colibrí Center for Human Rights and The Center for Biological Diversity. A $2000 honorarium will be awarded to all participating writers and participating organizations for the two-week period of collaboration. Selected poets will work closely with the organization they are paired with to arrive at a project that integrates their personal poetic approach with the participating organization’s practical needs.

Interested poets are encouraged to apply by sending a brief (300-word) statement of interest and 3-5 pages of poetry to jskibsrud@email.arizona.edu by September 30, 2022. Please indicate in your statement if you prefer working with a particular organization or if you are open to collaborating with either partner (note: The Colibrí Center requests that applicants be fluent in Spanish). Please also emphasize any specific past projects, interests or ongoing inquiries that influence your interest in, and potential investment with, this project.