The Project, celebrating its 26th year, brings together poets and artists to create an annual series of illustrated poetry posters that celebrate Central New York. The work remains on display for a year in the kiosks and poster boxes of downtown Syracuse. 

For the 2027 series, the Project is looking for haiku and other short-form poetry that celebrate the “Hidden Gems” of Syracuse and Central New York. 

Poets may prospect around well-known parks, landmarks, and cultural touchstones, but  they should then sift through the general and ubiquitous to unearth gems that reflect  personal experiences. The Project isn’t seeking priceless jewels, but rather something or  someone exceptionally good, valuable, or beautiful, which somehow remains little  noticed or underappreciated. Poets are encouraged to browse the Project’s extensive  catalog of posters, and ask themselves, what has yet to be featured? 

The series will also include one special poster relating to Baltimore Woods Nature  Center, in honor of the Center’s 60th anniversary. 

Independent panelists will select at least 10 pairings of poem and illustration. The artists  of the selected posters receive $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $100 for  third place. Artists and poets of the selected posters will also receive a fee, as well as  complimentary merchandise. 

Writers can find entry materials at www.posterproject.org/contribute-poetry; artists, at  www.posterproject.org/contribute-art. For additional information, reach Scott Herrmann,  project director, at (315) 937-8653. 

The deadline for poets to submit poems and the deadline for artists to register is Sept. 11.  Artists then receive an allocation of several poems, choose one to illustrate, and submit  the illustration by Monday, Nov. 16. Selected artist and poet pairs are announced in  December, and the posters are revealed in April.