Tyner, Artika. (2021, August 12). Sidewalk Poetry Weaves Together Multicultural Communities, Monitor, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Sidewalk poetry weaves together cultures and unites generations. Of the 1,000 that have already made their way to sidewalks, the poems foster intercultural dialogue. The poems provide individuals with an enriching learning opportunity to pause, reflect and grow.
“Writers play a key role in fostering community engagement and building cultural bridges. Throughout history, writers have served as the architects of the future. Their artistry has been used to build a more just and inclusive society. According to the acclaimed writer, Chinua Achebe: ‘the writer cannot expect to be excused from the task of re-education and regeneration that must be done. In fact, he should march right in front.’ The city of Saint Paul’s sidewalk poetry initiative provides writers with essentially blank slates that are recording the collective voices of our city and celebrating its rich diversity. The Sidewalk Poetry Contest was launched by the city of Saint Paul in partnership with Public Art Saint Paul. It is part of the city’s $1 million sidewalk replacement project. It is an opportunity for emerging prose writers and experienced poets to be published in a singular forum and on a larger scale. Each winning entry will be stamped into sidewalks throughout residential areas of the city.”
Center for Intercultural Dialogue 