Poetry Forum Inc

Poetry Forum Inc, commonly known as RHINO Poetry, is a nonprofit literary organization based in the Chicago area. Established in 1976 as a women's writing workshop, it evolved to incorporate as a nonprofit and expand its scope to include national and international poets by 2002.

History

The organization was originally founded as a workshop, leading free poetry sessions at public libraries and publishing small zines with handmade cover art. The name "RHINO" emerged from an impromptu doodle during a meeting. Notable early members included Helen Degen Cohen, Lisel Mueller, and Martha M. Vertreace-Doody.

Mission

RHINO Poetry is dedicated to publishing and promoting diverse, well-crafted poetry through its annual print journal, RHINO. The journal features works from emerging and established poets, as well as poetry in translation, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction.

Programming

• Print Journal: RHINO is the cornerstone of the organization's efforts, showcasing a wide range of poetic styles and themes.
• Online Archive: Complete issues are available online, providing access to past publications.
• RHINO Reviews: A monthly series offering critiques of contemporary poetry and translations.
• RHINO Reads: Pop-up live events and open mics, often featuring guest poets.
• Internship and Fellowship Opportunities: Volunteer internships and the Helen Degen Cohen Summer Reading Fellowship are available to support emerging writers.

Funding and Recognition

RHINO Poetry has received funding from various sources, including the Illinois Arts Council, the Poetry Foundation, and the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture. The organization has been recognized for its contributions to fostering poetic excellence and diversity.

Impact

Over the years, RHINO has published early work by notable poets such as Rodney Gomez, Sally Wen Mao, Maya Marshall, and Ocean Vuong, among others. It continues to support international work through translations, promoting literary arts both locally and internationally.

Governance and Operations

RHINO Poetry is volunteer-run, with a team of editors and contributors who are poets, educators, or poetry enthusiasts. The organization focuses on mentorship, innovation, and community building within the literary world.