Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry
In 2023, the Poetry Foundation introduced a new, annual award bestowed in recognition of commitment and extraordinary work in poetry and the literary arts through administration, advocacy, education, publishing, or service. The Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry recognizes that service to poetry and its communities comes in a variety of forms. The award includes a cash prize of $25,000, to be awarded annually.
2024 Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry RECIPIENT
Jen Benka is the author of the poetry collections Pinko (Hanging Loose Press, 2011) and A Box of Longing with Fifty Drawers (Soft Skull Press, 2005); ...
2023 Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry RECIPIENT
2023Toi DerricotteThe inaugural recipients of the Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry are Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady.
Derricotte and Eady are the founders of Cave Canem, established in 1996 to remedy the underrepresentation and isolation of African-American poets in the literary landscape. That year, Cave Canem welcomed an inaugural cohort of fellows to a residency of intensive poetry workshops and readings, an unparalleled opportunity to join a community of peers and study with a faculty of renowned poets. To date, Cave Canem Fellowships have supported more than 500 poets, many of whom have gone on to distinguished literary careers, including winners of the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize, recipients of the MacArthur Fellowship, and Poets Laureate. Poetry magazine editor, Adrian Matejka is a former Cave Canem fellow.
2023Cornelius EadyThe inaugural recipients of the Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry are Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady.
Derricotte and Eady are the founders of Cave Canem, established in 1996 to remedy the underrepresentation and isolation of African-American poets in the literary landscape. That year, Cave Canem welcomed an inaugural cohort of fellows to a residency of intensive poetry workshops and readings, an unparalleled opportunity to join a community of peers and study with a faculty of renowned poets. To date, Cave Canem Fellowships have supported more than 500 poets, many of whom have gone on to distinguished literary careers, including winners of the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize, recipients of the MacArthur Fellowship, and Poets Laureate. Poetry magazine editor, Adrian Matejka is a former Cave Canem fellow.