Sidewalk Poetry

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are there poems in our City sidewalks?

   As part of sidewalk reconstruction, the City installs poetry in our public realm. This award-winning program, Everyday Poems for City Sidewalk, creates moments of outdoor reading to beautify our pedestrian experience. These poems are written by Saint Paul residents selected through an annual poetry contest. Since 2008, we have created more than 500 installations throughout the City from our current collection of 41 poems. The work has received national attention for its innovative approach to public art.

2. What is the process for selecting a location to stamp a poem?

   As sidewalk panels are being marked for replacement, personnel from Public Art Saint Paul will select locations that are typically single or two panel replacements. Longer lengths are usually not considered for sidewalk poetry. Locations are selected randomly based on these available sites.

3. Do I get any prior notice before any work is done?

   Public Works mails out notices to all the properties in the block where sidewalk work will be performed. This includes properties that may not have work being performed at all. The notice will also have an insert explaining the poetry and its process.

4. I would like a poem in front of my home. Can I get one

   Potential spots will be indicated with a wooden stake marked with red. If no stake is in front of your property, you may contact Public Works Sidewalk Section at 651-266-6120 to inquire about getting a poem. If your address has some single or two-panel replacements scheduled, we will try to accommodate your request. If you have a longer length or full length of your property being replaced, your property cannot receive a poem.

5. Can I choose which poem might be placed in front of my property?

   You may inquire as to which poem has been selected. We will try to accommodate requests for specific poems. There are, however, other considerations including not repeating poems within close proximity.

6. I am not interested in having a poem in front of my house. What do I do?

   We will not place a poem in front of your house if you do not want one as long as we receive your notification before the sidewalk removal process begins. You should contact Public Works Sidewalk Section at 651-266-6120 to discuss any issues. Again, potential spots will be indicated by a wooden stake painted red. Public Works will not remove the sidewalk poems once they are stamped.

7. Public Works is not doing any sidewalk reconstruction on my block, or there is sidewalk work, but it’s related to utilities or street construction. Is it possible to get a sidewalk poem?

   At this time sidewalk poetry installation only occurs with the sidewalk reconstruction program, not street construction or utilities. We cannot install poems outside of sidewalk reconstruction.

8. How long will these poems last?

   Poems should last as long as the sidewalk does not develop any defects that would require its replacement. Poems may not be replaced if sidewalk reconstruction occurs

9. How do I find out about next year’s poetry contest?

   Check this website for more information: www.stpaul.gov/poetry. The contest is usually announced in September of each year. Everyday Poems for City Sidewalk is created by Saint Paul’s City Artist in Residence Marcus Young in partnership with Saint Paul Public Works and Public Art Saint Paul, a non-profit organization that creates and cares for art in Saint Paul’s public realm. The poems are written by Saint Paul residents selected through an annual poetry contest. For more information about this program and to read some of the poems, please visit: www.stpaul.gov/poetry.