"In The Life and Time Of" Anthology

Call for Poetry & Prose 

Submissions due by December 6, 2024, 6:00 pm
 

OVERVIEW

Background

Starting on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture will be accepting submissions for a new project — "In the Life and Time Of" — a collection of poems concerning modern life in Boston and New England, led by current Boston Poet Laureate, Porsha Olayiwola.

Established in 2008, the Boston Poet Laureate Program has been a cornerstone of Boston’s creative sector, drawing residents into the rich and transformative world of the literary arts. Poetry has the unique power to capture our history, illuminate the present, and spark hope and change for the future. The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for Boston’s literary and creative communities, working in tandem with these communities to elevate the role of poetry in the everyday lives of Bostonians and inspire critical reflection through written and spoken word.

Porsha Olayiwola, Boston’s Poet Laureate, is curating an anthology reflecting on experiences of place tied to Boston or the New England region. Writers that are based in New England are invited to submit up to two examples of work of no more than 1-2 pages each, for consideration by December 6, 2024. The completed anthology will be made available at all branches of the Boston Public Library.

This call asks writers to center and reflect on the last several years of events occurring on this planet. From the insurrection and elections to a pandemic and then a reopening to protest and revolution to joy and persistence, write in remembrance and repair. Keep in mind this is an anthology of place. Poems and hybrid writing should be tied to experiences in Boston or the New England area, when possible. 

A reading featuring selected works from “In The Life and Time Of” will take place in Boston in 2025.

Eligibility

Writers must be based in New England. 

Timeline

Submissions open Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

• Submissions close Friday, December 6th, 2024 by 6:00 pm Please note: this is not a postmark date. Mailed applications must arrive at The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture no later than the end of the due date. 
• Review Process: January - March 2025
• Notification of inclusion: March 2025
• Publication date: TBD

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Application Guidelines

All eligible applicants will need the following to apply: 

• Up to two examples of work (poetry or prose) you would like to submit. Each one much be a maximum of two pages.
• A brief biography. 
• Requested demographic information.

While digital entries are preferred and strongly encouraged, printed entries are also welcome and will be given equal consideration. To submit a printed application: 

• Go here for a printout of the application.
• Mail to: The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Attn: Tom Johnston, Boston City Hall, Room 802, 1 City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA 02201
• All entries must be submitted in a conventional font (such as Times New Roman) at 12-point size.
• Photocopied poems from publications are acceptable, however, name and/or address cannot be included. Please do not staple documents.
• If return of materials is desired, enclose a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.
• Faxed or emailed applications will NOT be accepted.

Contact for Questions and/or Application Accommodations 

For further information, or if you need accommodations or assistance with your application, please contact Tom Johnston in the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture at 617-635-1238 or thomas.johnston@boston.gov.

Commitment to Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 

The Mayor’s Office is committed to building and maintaining a diverse community. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category. Statistics show that women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and other structurally marginalized groups apply for opportunities only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. If this program excites you, you are encouraged to apply. No one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application.