The International
Poetry Forum

Est. 1966 in Pittsburgh, PA

Dedicated to the art of spoken poetry

From W.H. Auden to Mary Oliver, Chinua Achebe to Jorge Luis Borges, Grace Kelly to James Earl Jones, the International Poetry Forum has hosted hundreds of the world’s most celebrated poets and performers in Pittsburgh, PA, since 1966.

As an independent literary nonprofit, the International Poetry Forum has presented more than 800 writers, actors, musicians, and public figures from over 50 countries in our public reading series and educational programs. Alumni of our programs include nine Nobel laureates, 14 Oscar winners, 49 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and a Steelers Super Bowl MVP.

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Archives

Explore the history of the International Poetry Forum.

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Events

View upcoming poetry readings and performances.

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Participants

Learn more about International Poetry Forum alumni.

  • “One of the best moments I’ve had with poetry. . . . I was never so impressed by anything in my life.”

    James Earl Jones (three-time alumnus and honorary board member of the International Poetry Forum)

  • "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

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

    Yevgeny Yevtushenko

  • "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

  • "[The International Poetry Forum] announces the timelessness of poetry."

    Judy Collins

  • "I think the reading went swimmingly."

    Jorge Luis Borges