2012 Kundiman Prize Deadline: March 1st

The deadline for the 2012 Kundiman Prize is coming on March 1st.

The Kundiman Poetry Prize is dedicated to publishing exceptional work by Asian American poets.

The winner receives $1,000, book publication with Alice James Books and a New York City feature reading. Alice James Books is a cooperative poetry press with a mission is to seek out and publish the best contemporary poetry by both established and beginning poets, with particular emphasis on involving poets in the publishing process.

 In August 2004, Kundiman presented its inaugural Asian American Poetry Retreat at The University of Virginia. This annual retreat was created by poets Sarah Gambito and Joseph O. Legaspi. Through their own experiences as writing students and poets, both recognized the need for a nurturing and yet rigorous space for emerging Asian American poets: such a space would facilitate creation of new work, create mentoring relationships with established Asian American poets, and address challenges that uniquely affect Asian American poets.

 Kundiman sees poetry not only as vehicle for cultural expression but also as an instrument for political dialogue and self-empowerment. They recognize the need to create an Asian American poetic community, and, at the same time, engender a commitment among poets to give back to their own communities. You can learn more about them at www.kundiman.org

Be sure to check out the competition!