Founded in 1996 by
poets
Toi Derricotte and
Cornelius Eady as a summer retreat for
African American poets. The
program now includes
workshops around the country,
poetry readings, and a
first book prize.
The primary program is the
retreat at
Cranbrook. Derricote and Eady have created a
safe,
nurturing place of fellowship for
emerging Black poets which gives them an "
opportunity to
work together in an affirming
atmosphere, to study with accomplished
teachers, and to join a national
community of writers." Because entry is based on the quality of work, fellows get to meet and
network with the most accomplished, emerging Black poets in the country. Once accepted into the program, fellows may return three times during a five year period. Only 5 to 8 new fellowships are given every year out of over 150 applications.
Unlike most
writer's colonies or
writer's retreats, or workshops, Cave Canem is free of charge. (Except for room and board
fees).
Applications for a fellowship are usually accepted in the
Fall. It would be good to get guidelines, however, the application consists of a cover letter and six
sample poems. Manuscripts for the first book prize are accepted in the
Spring. The winning manuscript is usually chosen by an established poet. The 2000 prize was judged by
Rita Dove.
Scholarships to pay for room and board are available to poets who are accepted as fellows.
Past
guest faculty include:
Lucille Clifton
August Wilson
Sonia Sanchez and
Walter Mosely
Elizabeth Alexander
Michael S. Harper
Cave Canem takes its name from a floor tile in Pompeii. While on vacation in Italy, Deerricote and Eady had spent the afternoon discussing and dreaming about a safe place to write and critique new work. So often, as Black poets, they had to explain every cultural metaphor and spend precious workshop time giving history lessons rather than discussing the poem. Toi looked down and saw the tile. As an African American poet, she identified so strongly with the dog in the tile. It was then that Cave Canem was conceived and they named it after that moment.
Latin - translation, Beware The Dog.
More information or to apply write: Cave Canem, PO Box 4286, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 or email cavecanempoets@aol.com