Call for Entries: Poetry   

Deadline: May 31, 2023

 RXR Development Services, in conjunction with Outside the Lines Consulting, invites poets in the tri-state region to submit proposals for the creation of a poem to honor the Enslaved population of New Rochelle, New York.

Historic investigation reveals that the Enslaved lived and labored in and around the downtown area near RXR’s newly-constructed development One Clinton Park. RXR is committed to recognizing the history of Enslaved people in New Rochelle, whose stories have not been sufficiently told. The goal for the project and the selected poet is to create a poem to ensure that current and future generations remember and recognize the lives of Enslaved inhabitants of New Rochelle and the role they played in the city’s long history.

The honorarium to the poet for the selected poem is $750. The poet would have full ownership of the copyright to the work (poem).  Questions about the project, RFP, or proposal submission requirements must be emailed no later than May 15th, 2023 to outsidethelinesgallery@gmail.com. No phone calls please. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must include the following in this order and conform to the format detailed below: 

• Poetry samples or examples from past projects of a comparable size and scope. 
• Summary/CV of your background, resources, and relevant experience. 
• Personal Statement as to why you are submitting your work and why you feel like this is an important project for you as an artist and New Rochelle. 
• Three references from past clients of projects of a similar size and scope, if available, or professional references that are relevant to this work. 
• Supporting materials of your choosing (e.g., audience studies, synthesized feedback, graphics to communicate a theme, etc.) may be included. Please include no more than five supporting materials.  

 Proposal Format 

• Proposals must be submitted as a single 8.5”x11” document, 12pt type, in English. 
• Proposals must be sent electronically to outsidethelinesgallery@gmail.com in PDF. 
• Proposals must be received by May 31, 2023, 11:59 pm 

Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be judged primarily on the poet who best encapsulates the goals of the poem. The selection committee consists of representatives from the City of New Rochelle, New Rochelle Council of the Arts, New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority, and representatives of other community organizations.