In bars, libraries and homes around the city and across the country, small groups of people gather regularly to hear poets read from their work. But on Thursday night, 1,100 people will fill Koerner Hall for the chance to hear the seven finalists of the 2015 Griffin Poetry Prize.

The prize was established by businessman and philanthropist Scott Griffin in 2000 — the richest for poets anywhere at $65,000 for each winner (one from Canada, one international) and $10,000 for each finalist. He was concerned that “poetry had basically disappeared” and said “the objective was to bring it back.”

Apparently, it’s worked.

Links:

The Star | Griffin Poetry Prize 2015