O, Miami, the esteemed non-profit dedicated to spotlighting Miami’s cultural diversity through poetry, unveils the programming for its 13th annual festival. Running from April 1–30 across Miami-Dade County, this year’s festival presents a blend of traditional favorites and innovative initiatives, showcasing the varied voices and talents of Miami’s residents.
At the forefront of the festival is the inaugural Technically Poetic Commission awarded to Miami-based artist, poet, and coder Yucef Merhi. Merhi’s project, "Wish-a-Poem," reimagines the magic lamp as a conduit for collaborative poetry creation, merging technology with storytelling. Through interactive installations at three libraries across Miami, users will summon verses by rubbing the lamp, fostering connections across physical and digital realms.
The festival’s dedication to amplifying community voices is evident in its diverse lineup of events and projects. From poetry workshops to civic publishing endeavors, O, Miami invites Miamians to engage with poetry in unexpected locales, such as coffee windows and drag performances. Notably, the organization’s debut photobook, "Ventanitas: A Window Into Miami’s Coffee Culture," offers an exploration of community and connection within Miami’s vibrant coffee scene.
In the face of social and political challenges, O, Miami embraces its role as a catalyst for dialogue. Amidst attempts to stifle expression, "Drag Poetry Slam II: KIN" emerges as a powerful testament to resilience, celebrating the intersections of queer identity and South Florida’s ecology. Against this backdrop, O, Miami reaffirms its commitment to education, kicking off the festival with readings by participants in its year-round educational initiatives and honoring poet Arsimmer McCoy as this year’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas prize winner.
Central to the festival’s ethos is the belief that poetry is for everyone. Through initiatives like Zip Odes, which prompts residents to craft poems inspired by their neighborhoods, O, Miami amplifies diverse voices and fosters a sense of shared belonging. This year, winning poems will grace digital billboards across four counties, celebrating the rich tapestry of Miami’s communities.
“Our Festival is a celebration of Miami’s endless reinvention,” shares Founder P. Scott Cunningham. “It’s a testament to the power of poetry to unite and inspire, echoing the spirit of our dynamic city.”
As the festival unfolds across iconic Miami venues—from the Botanical Garden to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens—O, Miami invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the transformative power of verse. Whether through interactive installations or community gatherings, the festival invites all to discover the poetry woven into the fabric of Miami’s streets and souls.
For the latest updates and event listings, visit O, Miami’s website.
About O, Miami
O, Miami believes that Miami is the most poetic place in the world. Through projects, events, and publishing, the organization creates a platform for amplifying Miami’s people and investing in a new shared narrative of the city. With a vision of art and self-expression accessible to every Miamian, O, Miami celebrates the city’s rich cultural tapestry and envisions a more equitable future.
About the 2024 Festival
With principal funding provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the annual O, Miami Poetry Festival aims for every person in Miami-Dade County to encounter a poem. By blending site-specific events, community gatherings, and poetry-in-public-places projects, the festival celebrates Miami and its people. Collaboratively built with community members, the festival serves as a testament to the city’s vibrancy and diversity.
