The Institute for Poetjournalism is the global advocate and resource for poetjournalism and poetjournalists. The Institute was founded in 2024 by MacArthur Fellow Aaron Dworkin, who originated the term poetjournalism, which is defined as "the research, creation, and distribution of writing that evokes an emotional connection to news-related subjects or other relevant ideas utilizing elements of sound, meter, rhythm and creative illustration." Aaron was inspired to create the institute based on his experiences serving as the Poetjournalist-in-Residence of the City of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial, the Rodham Institute @ George Washington University, Fisher Foundation, Wright Museum of African-American History, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Grantmakers in the Arts, Ovation TV and Shar Music.

The Institute aims to evoke a profound emotional connection to current events and relevant ideas, making the news experience informative, enlightening, and deeply human. We seek to revolutionize the way stories are told by infusing the time-honored tradition of storytelling with the urgency and veracity of modern journalism. We aim to deliver news and ideas that resonate on a deeper emotional level, making consuming information a more impactful and memorable experience.

The Institute has two main program areas, including the Dworkin Prize for Poetjournalism and Verse News Network. The Institute has also established best practices for the field by developing the six core principles of poetjournalism:

• Inform with Emotion

• Embed in the Topic

• Utilize Poetic Form

• Commitment to Facts

• Engage to Maximize Relevance

• Educate & Illuminate

The team at the Institute for Poetjournalism is committed to the craft of blending lyrical prose with factual reporting to touch the soul while informing the intellect. The Institute fosters a global appreciation for poetjournalism, where news and narratives intertwine through the beauty of poetry, engaging audiences with the rhythm of truth.