ABOUT
Founded in 2008, The Poetry Society of New York brings poetry into the 21st Century.
Our Mission
The Poetry Society of New York is a 501(c)3 art-led nonprofit that creates fun, innovative poetry experiences. Our mission is to bring the transformative impact of poetry to those seeking a more creative life. We envision a world where poetry is not just celebrated, but vital and accessible to all: breaking down barriers, inspiring joy, and uplifting diverse voices. Our geographical focus is on New York state, but our programs serve audiences of all ages both nationally and internally. Rooted in the belief that poetry belongs to us all, we create experiences of poetry where people from all walks of life can explore, express, play, and find a sense of belonging. By prioritizing accessibility, experimentation, collaboration, and undeniable fun, we foster innovation and community in the often stale and isolating literary sphere. Each of our programs offers an invitation into a vibrant poetry world specifically designed to stimulate discovery, wonder, and life-long friendships between creative souls.
Why Poetry?
At PSNY, we believe that poetry makes us human. In a world that often feels fragmented, poetry offers a way to reconnect: to ourselves, to each other, and to the larger human experience. In times of division, it reminds us of our shared humanity and offers a space for healing. It sparks empathy, imagination, and reflection in a culture starved for meaningful connection. Like meditation, poetry promotes mindfulness, lowering our stress and offering us tools for staying present in an increasingly distracting world. In a society designed around work and productivity, poetry gives us a respite where we can explore the depths of our imaginations and our most profound desires. Poetry, in all its forms, allows us to express the inexpressible. It has the power to heal, inspire, and uplift. Yet, for all its richness, poetry is often considered niche or inaccessible. We’re here to breathe new life into its timeless forms and to make it accessible to all who need it.
Our History
The Poetry Society of New York first emerged under the guise of The Poetry Brothel at The Living Theater in 2008. The Poetry Brothel was conceived as a performance art event aimed at fostering intimacy, urgency and exaltation within the New York poetry community, and at expanding that community to include a more diverse population of artists. At that time, New York City, the place perceived by thousands of young writers to be the epicenter of the contemporary poetry world, felt boring. Allen Ginsberg, Frank O’Hara and Edna St. Vincent Millay had quit running amok decades earlier, and a clear vitalizing alternative was required. The Poetry Brothel provided one cure: a pastiche of back-alley history and literary revelry, this event series remedied the monotony of the slam poetry reading’s excessive competition, and charmed patrons of the one-note, one-format academic poetry readings out of their fold-up chairs into back rooms for private readings.
But it wasn’t enough. The Poetry Brothel bridged social boundaries between individuals, but soon, we felt the need to cross literal borders. In 2009, we oversaw the creation of The Poetry Brothel’s first international chapter, Prostibulo Poetico, founded by Kiely Sweatt in Barcelona. In 2010, The Poetry Brothel and Prostibulo Poetico began a translation project in the hopes of opening the lines of communication between New York poets and poets living abroad, but in order to get funding for such a project, it was time to get legal and form a business entity. When the state of New York rejected the business name “The Poetry Brothel,” citing it as “lewd and illegal,” we requested “The Poetry Society of New York ” and much to our surprise, we got it!
After forming The Poetry Society of New York in 2010, we expanded The Poetry Brothel into over 25 cities across the world and created The New York City Poetry Festival (founded 2011) and The Typewriter Project (founded 2014). Since getting our 501(c)3 status in 2015, we have watched our little society take on a life of its own with with countless other programs, including Milk Press (founded 2018), Virtual Workshops (founded 2020), Poetry Camp (founded 2020), Free Verse (founded 2023), Having a Coke With You (founded 2023), Wine Poetic (founded 2023), The Poetry Holiday Market (founded 2024), and countless other programs. Over the years, The Poetry Society of New York has brought poetry into the lives of millions across the globe.
Programming Framework
We strive to produce innovative, collaborative, accessible, inclusive, and anti-biased programming that is both mission and community-centered. It is of the utmost importance to us that our events are anti-racist, anti-classist, anti-sexist, anti-ageist, anti-ableist, and community-serving, as well as physically, culturally, and emotionally accessible. For questions, comments, or concerns regarding our programming, please email our Chief Programs Officer, Tova Greene, at tova@poetrysocietyny.org.
Press & Media
Meet the Team
Staff
Stephanie Berger
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Jackie Braje
Chief Operating Officer
Tova Greene
Chief Programs Officer
Stanley Delva
Development Director
Emi Bergquist
Social Media Manager
F.M. Papaz
Marketing Associate
Leon Barros
Milk Press Co-Editor-in-Chief
Allison Sylvia
Production Designer
Charlotte Chauvin
New York Poetry Brothel Producer
Board of Directors
Mahogany L. Browne
Anna Genevieve Winham
Alec Milton
Miranda Dennis
Meredith Starkman
Alex Valente
Alan Keegan
Harper Zacharias
James Rathmell
Advisory Board
B. Carter Edwards
Ailar Jivadi
Kiely Sweatt
Liz Axelrod
Karen Keegan
Film Forum is New York City's only autonomous nonprofit cinema, established in 1970 as a space for independent films. Under the leadership of Karen Cooper, who directed the organization from 1972 to 2023, Film Forum grew from its humble beginnings into a four-screen theater on Houston Street, known for premiering American independents, foreign art films, and classic repertory selections. Today, Film Forum remains dedicated to presenting diverse and socially relevant films, supported by a $6 million operating budget and a community of over 6,500 members.
Partners
The Metropolitan Opera is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world.
The New York Philharmonic is one of the world’s most renowned orchestras, established in 1842, making it the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. With a rich history spanning over 180 years, the Philharmonic has become synonymous with artistic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. The orchestra is celebrated for its dynamic performances, diverse programming, and commitment to both classical and contemporary works.
The Hudson Valley Writers Center brings writers and readers together to celebrate the essential art of the written and spoken word. The Center fosters a vibrant and diverse literary arts community that supports and empowers writers and readers of diverse ages, talents and backgrounds at every stage of their creative development.
The Nuyorican Poets Café has served as a home for groundbreaking works of poetry, music, theater, and visual arts for the last 50 years. A multicultural and multi-arts institution, the Café gives voice to a diverse group of rising poets, actors, filmmakers, and musicians. The Café champions the use of poetry, jazz, theater, hip-hop, and spoken word as means of social empowerment for minority and underprivileged artists. The community of spectators, artists, and students is a reflection of New York City’s diverse population; the late American poet Allen Ginsberg called the Café “the most integrated place on the planet.”
The New School is a progressive university located in New York City known for its rigorous approach to education and its commitment to social justice. The New School offers a range of programs in the arts, design, social sciences, and humanities, encouraging students to challenge conventions and explore new ideas. The university's innovative curriculum and diverse community make it a hub for creative and intellectual exploration.
Poets & Writers is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to serving creative writers. Its mission is to foster the professional development of poets and writers, promote communication throughout the literary community, and create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible audience. Each year, tens of thousands of poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers benefit from Poets & Writers' programs, which include its eponymous magazine, a dynamic, information-rich website, financial support for readings and other literary events, and sponsorship of several notable writing prizes and awards.
Sponsors, Funders, & Poetry Champions
Radio Drama Network is an organization dedicated to the production and promotion of high-quality audio dramas. It seeks to revive and sustain the art of radio drama through contemporary productions that reach new audiences. By supporting writers, actors, and producers, the network aims to create compelling narratives that engage listeners and explore the full potential of audio storytelling.
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is a state agency dedicated to preserving and expanding access to the arts in New York. Founded in 1960, NYSCA provides grants, funding, and support to arts organizations and artists across the state, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of New York's cultural landscape.
The Poetry Foundation is a 501(c)(3) exempt private nonoperating foundation located in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2003 upon receipt of a major gift from philanthropist Ruth Lilly, the Poetry Foundation evolved from the Modern Poetry Association, which was a literary organization founded in 1941 to support the publication of Poetry magazine. The gift from Ruth Lilly allowed the Poetry Foundation to expand and enhance the presence of poetry in the United States and established an endowment that will fund Poetry in perpetuity. The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives.
The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is the largest municipal funder of arts and culture in the United States. The department is committed to supporting and promoting New York City's vibrant cultural life by providing funding, resources, and advocacy for artists and cultural organizations. DCLA's work ensures that arts and culture remain accessible and enriching for all New Yorkers.
A big thanks to our Poetry Champions, whose significant donations help us keep the lights on at PSNY, allowing us to employ our incredible staff, without whom none of our work would be possible.
Chandra Mukerji & Zachary Fisk
Karen & Dennis Keegan
Kendalle Getty
Rosalind Resnick