Electronic Poetry Center: A Pioneer in Digital and Experimental Verse
The Electronic Poetry Center (EPC) stands as one of the most enduring and influential resources for digital poetry on the World Wide Web. Established during the early era of the internet, the EPC serves as both a living archive and a promotional hub for poets who push the boundaries of traditional form and medium.
The Origins of the EPC
Founded on July 10, 1994, the Electronic Poetry Center was the creation of Loss Pequeño Glazier and Charles Bernstein. Both founders were associated with the Poetics Program at The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. Glazier further contributed his expertise as a professor within Buffalo's Department of Media Study.
The center's philosophy is deeply rooted in the SUNY Buffalo Poetics Program, which was established in 1991 by Charles Bernstein and Robert Creeley. This academic foundation instilled a long-standing commitment to avant-garde poetics—poetry that is experimental, progressive, and intentionally innovative in its structure and delivery.
Expanding the Horizon of Digital Poetry
While its primary focus is digital poetry—poetry created specifically for or utilizing electronic media—the EPC also dedicates itself to the promotion and archiving of other contemporary, formally innovative poetries. This broad scope ensures that the evolution of poetic form is captured across various modern mediums.
The EPC has not only curated content but has also fostered community through landmark events. It sponsored E-Poetry 2001, the first festival in the world dedicated exclusively to electronic poetry, which later celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2011. In September 2014, the center marked its own twentieth anniversary with "EPC@20," a two-day festival in Buffalo described as an "epicenter of poetic evolution and teaching."
Impact and Collaborations
The EPC's curated archives have made it a premier destination for scholars and enthusiasts of contemporary verse. Its reach is significant; an estimate from 2000 indicated that the site received approximately 10 million visits per year.
To further its mission of preservation and accessibility, the EPC partners with other prestigious digital organizations, including UbuWeb and the University of Pennsylvania's PennSound project.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 10, 1994 |
| Founders | Loss Pequeño Glazier and Charles Bernstein |
| Academic Affiliation | SUNY Buffalo Poetics Program |
| Key Milestone | Sponsor of E-Poetry 2001 |
| Estimated Traffic (2000) | 10 million visits per year |
Key Facts
- The EPC is one of the oldest poetry resources on the World Wide Web.
- It focuses on digital poetry and contemporary formally innovative poetries.
- It was founded by Loss Pequeño Glazier and Charles Bernstein.
- The center is linked to the SUNY Buffalo Poetics Program, founded in 1991.
- It partners with UbuWeb and the PennSound project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Electronic Poetry Center?
The Electronic Poetry Center (EPC) is an online resource and archive dedicated to digital poetry and other forms of contemporary, experimental, and avant-garde poetics.
Who founded the EPC and when?
The EPC was founded on July 10, 1994, by Loss Pequeño Glazier and Charles Bernstein of the Poetics Program at The State University of New York at Buffalo.
What was E-Poetry 2001?
E-Poetry 2001 was the world's first festival dedicated exclusively to electronic poetry, sponsored by the EPC.
How does the EPC relate to SUNY Buffalo?
The EPC grew out of the SUNY Buffalo Poetics Program (founded in 1991 by Charles Bernstein and Robert Creeley), reflecting the program's interest in progressive and experimental poetics.
Which organizations does the EPC partner with?
The EPC maintains partnerships with similar digital archives and organizations, specifically UbuWeb and the University of Pennsylvania's PennSound project.