Kundiman at a Glance

Kundiman is dedicated to the creation and cultivation of Asian American poetry.

Between our inaugural year, 2004 and 2013, nineteen fellows have published first books and fifteen have published chapbooks and they credit Kundiman as being instrumental in their growth as writers.

More than 100 poets have attended the Kundiman Retreat.  Fellows report first-time publication in national literary journals, finalist distinction in literary awards and a greater sense of confidence in their pursuit of literary excellence. Kundiman Fellows have published poems in The Best American Poetry, Denver Quarterly, Virginia Quarterly Review, Fence, Guernica, The Colorado Review, Pleides, Best New Poets, The New England Review, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The Beloit Poetry Journal, Women Studies Quarterly, Crab Orchard Review, The Best of the Net, The Cortland Review, Third Coast, Spoon River Poetry Review, Nimrod International Journal, The Drunken Boat, MiPOesias, Poetry Southeast and Sou’wester.  They are attending MFA and doctoral programs at The Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Brown University, New York University, Stanford University, The University of Houston, The University of California, Riverside and The University of California, Berkeley.

There are four Kundiman programs:

Workshop Retreat: In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American poets, Kundiman sponsors an annual retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets conduct workshops with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American poets. This 5-day Retreat takes place from Wednesday to Sunday. Workshops will not exceed eight students.

The Kundiman Poetry Prize is dedicated to publishing exceptional work by Asian American poets. Winner receives $1,000, book publication with Alice James Books and a New York City feature reading.

Kundiman & Verlaine Reading Series features evenings of poetry and libation.  Emerging and established Asian American poets read.

Kavad is a multi-faceted community-based storytelling program comprised of interviews, public readings, educational workshops, online media, and new creative writing by Asian American poets.