CALL FOR POETS / April 15-May 15

We are seeking poets to participate in a Writing LAB project exploring themes of grief, longing and memory. Work created in the workshop will be incorporated into a contemporary dance performance created by 2026 Artist-In-Residence, Kelly Guerrero. The performance will be held in November, 2026 at the Madison Community Art Center.

To submit, email 3 of your latest works and a link to a video of you reading one piece to info@artsbythepeople.org (make sure the link is accessible)

Ekphrastic Writing Residency 2026

WHEN: August 1, 2026 from 12:45PM-8:00PM

WHERE: A "surprise" location in New Jersey. 1 hour from Morristown.

If selected, participants must commit to the residency date.

Residency Will Include:
- participants will have their writing in a full color compilation book
- In-person Book Launch will take place at Madison Community Arts Center on October 25, 12PM
- Cash prizes awarded to 2 writers for pieces best representing the spirit of the residency.

Residency is limited to 12 writers. Two alternates will be selected as well.

We are interested in writers from New Jersey, New York City and the Philadelphia Region

Please note: Our residency will take place in two locations this year, one of which is not barrier free. Additionally, participants must provide their own (driving) transportation to and from the locations.

Writers: Send an email to info@artsbythepeople.org with Ekphrastic Residency in the subject line. Include your name, bio, 3 sample poems or 2 prose pieces (under 2500 words). Please mention if you have participated in any ABTP programs currently or in the past. We’d like to know!

In addition to our writers, this year we will also choose a photographer to be on site during the residency, and who will work with Michelle Ortega to create photos for the ekphrasis. The photographer will be awarded a $500 stipend for the project.

Photographers: Send an email to info@artsbythepeople.org with Ekphrastic Residency PHOTOGRAPHER in the subject line. Include your name, bio, and 5 sample pictures that best represent your creative aesthetic. Please mention if you have participated in any ABTP programs currently or in the past. We’d like to know!

To purchase a copy of our 2025 Residency Book, And Still We Dance, click here.

The Writing LAB is an ARTS By The People project made possible by a generous grant from The Santiago Abut Foundation, in loving memory of Santiago Abut. With the support of The Santiago Abut Foundation all parts of The Writing LAB are free and open to the public.