LONG BRANCH — The Long Branch Arts Council (LBAC) wants to hear residents’ stories about superstorm Sandy through its “Poetic Voices” project.
From now through Feb. 15, the LBAC and its sponsoring partners are seeking submissions from New Jersey poets of all ages, with the accepted pieces to be published in a forthcoming anthology entitled “Poetic Voices in Response to Hurricane Sandy.”
The subject is Sandy — the fury of the superstorm; the days and nights in its wake; and the continuing process of recovery, restoration and moving forward. The finished anthology will be published in book form and distributed to libraries, and poets will have the opportunity to perform their works for the public at various locations in Long Branch during the spring.
All that a poet needs to be considered for inclusion in “Poetic Voices” is a personal experience or impression that focuses on the events of the superstorm and its aftermath. Entrants are being sought from storm-affected areas in Monmouth and Ocean counties, or from any other community in New Jersey. Writing experience or previous publication is not required.
Entrants can submit up to three poems by Feb. 15 as email attachments to LBAC President Gabor Barabas at [email protected], with “Poetic Voices” in the subject line. Entrants will be notified via email by March 1 if a submitted poem has been accepted for the anthology, and each poet will receive a free copy of the published volume.
Serving as project director for “Poetic Voices” is Robyn Ellenbogen, a published writer, visual artist and educator.
Co-sponsors of the Long Branch Arts Council “Poetic Voices” project include the ArtHelps program of the Monmouth County Arts Council, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the Community Foundation of New Jersey. Additional sponsors include Discover Jersey Arts, New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Monmouth County.