Congratulations, Lisa Robertson: Winner of New C.D. Wright Award for Poetry

Wow! Congratulations to Lisa Robertson, the inaugural recipient of a new $40,000 prize created by the Foundation for Contemporary Art with funds from artists Ellsworth Kelly (1923-2015) and Jack Shear, in memory of poet C.D. Wright. "The award will be made each year to a poet over the age of 50 whose work exemplifies Wright’s vibrant lyricism, seriousness, and striking originality. It will be one of the few, significant unrestricted poetry awards in the country. The inaugural C.D. Wright Award will be made to poet Lisa Robertson," the organization's press release explains. From there: 

The C.D. Wright Award for Poetry will be administered through FCA’s distinguished Grants to Artists program, which was established in 1993 to provide unrestricted cash awards to individual artists in all disciplines. Confidential nominations are accepted from invited artists and arts professionals once a year. In the field of poetry, two established poets, poetry editors, or poetry professors are asked to review nomination materials for each poetry nominee, confer, and make a joint recommendation to the Selection Committee, which is comprised of artists, arts professionals, and FCA’s Board of Directors. Thus, grantees receive the inestimable encouragement that comes with recognition by their peers.

The C.D. Wright Award for Poetry is created in memory of the beloved poet, who was herself a recipient of a Grants to Artists award in 1999 and who passed away in 2016 at the age of 67. Wright was a selfless champion of the poetry community. She was a tireless teacher and supporter of young poets as the I.J. Kapstein Professor of Literary Arts at Brown University from 1983 until her death. With her husband, the poet Forrest Gander, she founded and ran Lost Roads Publishers, a book press of some 45 titles. In addition to celebrating the spirit of her own work, The C.D. Wright Award for Poetry will also continue Wright’s deep commitment to supporting her peers.

"I’ve known that she was of signal importance to poets around the world—the first tribute/memorial organized for C.D. was in Stockholm—but the fact of this award coming from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, an advocate for all arts, that means the most to me," said Gander. 

Learn more from the Foundation for Contemporary Art.