Poetry in Public celebrates Iowa City’s rich literary tradition and local writing talent by displaying poems by writers of all ages. Iowa City is internationally recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature.
Poems are available for viewing all over the community - including inside city buses, at the Iowa City Public Library and Iowa City Recreation Centers, as well as many other public facilities. Poems are on display beginning in April, national poetry month, throughout the fall.
Submissions for 2020 are now closed. Please check back in November 2020 regarding submission process for 2021. Submissions will be accepted until February 5, 2021.
Featured Poems are also archived below.
Selected poems
2019
Poetry in Public 2019 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2019 student poetry
2018
Poetry in Public 2018 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2018 student poetry
2017
Poetry in Public 2017 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2017 student poetry
Poetry Readings by several 2017 poets
2016
Poetry in Public 2016 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2016 student poetry
2015
Poetry in Public 2015 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2015 student poetry
2014
Poetry in Public 2014 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2014 student poetry
2013
Poetry in Public 2013 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2013 student poetry
For more selected poems from previous years, please send an email to marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org.