Indiana Humanities and Indianapolis Motor Speedway issue poetry contest to name Official Poet for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil
INDIANAPOLIS – Poets are encouraged to submit an original poem for the chance to be the Official Poet for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. The winning poet will receive a cash prize of $1,000, two tickets to the race, the opportunity to read the poem at the track during the month of May, and will have his or her work featured in the official 2016 program. A second-place prize of $500 will also be rewarded. Submissions are due by MARCH 21st.
The contest revives a tradition from the 1920s, when an official poem was included in the race day program. This year, it is an initiative of the Arts, Culture & Youth Committee of the 100th Running Host Committee. The purpose of the Arts, Culture & Youth Committee is to create cultural connections between the race and the community, promoting conversation and education around the 100th running.
“From the roar of the engines and cheers of the crowd, to the legendary drivers and track lore, down to the special bond between the city of Indianapolis and racing fans around the world, there is much to spark the imagination of poets and writers,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We are excited to celebrate this iconic year by incorporating the power of poetry into one of Indiana’s most cherished traditions.”
Submission guidelines:
Send an email with your poem as a PDF attachment to poetry@indianahumanities.org.
Or mail it to:
Indy 500 Poetry Contest
Indiana Humanities
1500 N. Delaware St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Follow these instructions for submission:
Poems must not exceed 35 lines or 350 words.
The PDF of your poem should include the title, but no identifying information (i.e. name).
In the body of the email, include: Name, address, phone number, email address, age and a short (1-3 sentences) explanation of why you were inspired to write your poem. (This will not be included in the judging process – it’s simply for promotional purposes.)
If submitting by mail, include two pages – one of just the poem and title and one with identifying information explained above.
The deadline is March 21 2016. A panel of judges will choose the winner and runner-up. Winners will be notified by April 1st.
Learn more at www.IndianaHumanities.org/
About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.
About the 100th Running Host Committee
2016 is a once-in-a-generation year for Hoosiers. Along with the 100th Running of the Indy 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, the State will celebrate its bicentennial, the 60th IPL 500 Festival Parade and the 40th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
The Host Committee is part of the 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering a positive impact throughout the Hoosier state. The Host Committee includes 12 full volunteer committees and 40 sub-committees with hundreds of enthusiastic community volunteers. These individuals are charged with working together to celebrate and leverage the 100th Running by enhancing the quality of life for all Hoosiers, elevating the image of the State of Indiana, heightening civic pride, creating cultural connection, enabling social impact and stimulating education. Learn more at www.500festival.com/
~ Kells
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