Sidewalk Poetry is an ongoing, systems-based work of art and the vanguard expression of the pioneering idea of “City Art.” This project re-imagines Saint Paul’s annual sidewalk maintenance program as an ongoing publishing entity for a city-sized book of poetry. Sidewalk Poetry allows city residents to claim the sidewalks as their book pages by creating moments of contemplation and reflection through these printed poems.
In collaboration with the City of St. Paul, Public Art Saint Paul is hosting our 16th anniversary of Sidewalk Poetry in 2026. Submissions will be accepted May 4-June 3, 2026.
SIDEWALK POETRY WORKSHOP – MAY 9, 2026
Join Public Art Saint Paul at our kickoff Sidewalk Poetry Workshop on May 9, 2026 at Capitol Regional Watershed (595 Aldine St, St Paul, MN 55104) from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. The workshop is free. Registration is encouraged.
WHO:
- Anyone who is a resident of the City of Saint Paul is eligible to submit poems.
- You do not need to be a professional writer to submit a poem
HOW:
- Poems should be short, between 200- 300 characters, including spaces.
- A writer can submit up to 2 poems.
- We welcome poems written in Dakota, Hmong, Somali, Karen, and Spanish, reflecting the diversity of our city. On the submission form, please include an English translation of any poems submitted in the languages above.
- Winners will be announced in late June.
- Jurors will select up to 15 poems to join the collection.
- Poems will be stamped into sidewalks starting in summer/fall 2026 and continuing into future years.
WANT TO FIND CURRENT LOCATIONS OF SIDEWALK POETRY?
Click this link to explore the City of Saint Paul’s GIS data and live map.
go to www.stpaul.gov/sidewalkpoetrymap
SUBMISSIONS OPEN FROM MAY 4 TO JUNE 3, 2026 (11:59 PM CST).
Selected poems will become part of Saint Paul’s public landscape, appearing on sidewalks across the city. PASP will contact all submitters and announce the winning poems thereafter. Winners will also be invited to record their poem to be featured on the PASP website.
The 2026 Sidewalk Poetry Contest is made possible through the generous support of the Capitol Region Watershed District.