Cynthia Nixon, Bill T. Jones and More Set for NYPL & Academy of American Poets' Free Talks This Fall

This fall, The New York Public Library and the Academy of American Poets will present a free series of four conversations exploring how different art forms engage with poetry. These conversations will pair some of today's most intriguing poets with accomplished artists, dancers, chefs, and actors.

The monthly series includes events with Claudia Rankine and artist Carrie Mae Weems, with a special introduction by Elizabeth Alexander (September 9); Mark Doty and choreographer Bill T. Jones (October 19); Kevin Young and chef Gabrielle Hamilton (November 19); and Sharon Olds and actress Cynthia Nixon (December 11).

"We're thrilled to be collaborating with our friends at The New York Public Library on a new series that celebrates today's poets and other leading artists, demonstrating poetry's impact and relevancy," said Academy of American Poets Director Jennifer Benka.

"Teaming up with the Academy of American Poets," said Jessica Strand, NYPL's Associate Director of Public Programs and Events, "gives us the opportunity to present these events that challenge and enrich our our understanding of how poetry affects other genres in the arts."

All events will take place in the Celeste Auditorium at The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, located at 42nd Street at 5pm Avenue. Events are free and open to the public, but online advance registration is required.

For a full series schedule and biographies of the participants, click here.

About the Academy of American Poets - The Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. The organization produces Poets.org, the world's largest publicly-funded website for poets and poetry; National Poetry Month; the popular Poem-a-Day series; American Poets magazine; resources for K-12 educators; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events. In addition, since its founding in 1934, the Academy has awarded more money to poets than any other organization through its American Poets Prizes. For more information, visit Poets.org.

About The New York Public Library - The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations -- including research and branch libraries -- throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos