International Poetry Forum

est. 1966 in Pittsburgh, PA

The International Poetry Forum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of spoken poetry. The Forum has hosted more than 800 poets and performers from 50+ countries in Pittsburgh, PA, since 1966.

Alumni of the International Poetry Forum include nine Nobel Laureates, 14 Academy Award recipients, 28 U.S. Poets Laureate, and 47 Pulitzer Prize winners—as well as a Princess, a Queen, and a Steelers Super Bowl MVP.

Danny Glover, Etta Cox, and Samuel Hazo at the International Poetry Forum

  • “One of the best moments I’ve had with poetry was when I was at [the International Poetry Forum] reading Charles Péguy’s ‘God Speaks’ with a choir. I was never so impressed by anything in my life.”

    James Earl Jones

  • "There is no question in my mind that Pittsburgh's International Poetry Forum is the most exciting place to read in this country."

    Mark Strand

  • "After poets strive and writhe... to make shapes of collections of words, to make magic, there should be ways for them to reach ears as well as eyes... And so we thank and appreciate Pittsburgh's International Poetry Forum."

    Gwendolyn Brooks

  • "I think the reading went swimmingly."

    Jorge Luis Borges

  • "The audience of the International Poetry Forum in Pittsburgh showed me what I came to America to experience."

    Yevgeny Yevtushenko