Poetry Out Loud

The 2023 Poetry Out Loud State Finals event will take place Saturday, March 4 at the Tennessee State Museum at 11:00 AM Central Time. Doors will open to the public at 10:30 AM Central Time. Admission is free. 

Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national recitation competition organized by the Tennessee Arts Commission in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

This literary arts program offers dynamic performance and learning opportunities for students to succeed in and beyond the classroom. The Tennessee champion will win $1,000 and represent Tennessee in the National Finals. Runners-up of both competitions will also receive cash prizes, as well as money for their school. POL is open to all public, private and homeschool students in grades 9-12 and encourages teachers of all subjects to participate.

Interested in knowing more? Download the Teacher’s Guide and contact Julia Stark, Arts Learning Specialist at julia.stark@tn.gov

2023 Tennessee Poetry Out Loud 

January 13, 2023: Deadline to Register School Competition

February 3, 2023: Deadline to Register School Champion 

February 17, 2023: Deadline to Apply for Travel Assistance 

March 3-4, 2023: TN State Finals at the TN State Museum

May 8-10. 2023: POL National Finals