About

Explore the Chicago Poetry Center’s mission, vision, and values and the team that carries them out. Learn about our 50+ year history, read CPC’s annual reports and news items, and find opportunities to join our team.

A young woman in all black performs poetry at a microphone, hands gesturing expressively, in front of floor-to-ceiling windows revealing bare winter trees. Audience members watch from the foreground.

Mission, Vision & Values

Learn about CPC’s Mission, Vision, and Values

 Two staff members smile together against a vibrant pink-to-orange gradient background. One wears a blue paisley shirt with turquoise earrings; the other has long blue hair and wears a mint top layered with a denim vest.

Our Team

Meet our Staff, Board, and Poets in Residence

 A child's handmade pink card featuring a crayon drawing of a smiling face and the words "Poetry is the best," displayed alongside handwritten letters and printed student poems.

Annual Reports

Read about CPC’s recent impact

 Black-and-white archival photo of a poetry reading on stage: a woman reads at a podium while three others sit nearby, with dramatic stage lighting against a curtained backdrop.

CPC History

Discover CPC’s 50+ years of protecting literary free speech and advocating for art and artists

 A young student with long braids and a floral dress poses proudly with a teaching artist in front of the Chicago Poetry Center banner, holding an "All Schools Reading" program booklet.

Work With Us

Explore job and volunteer opportunities

 Outdoor view of a building entrance with a tall red banner reading "50 Years of the Chicago Poetry Center" alongside a collage of historic event posters, framed by leafy green trees along a city sidewalk.

Our Press

Check out our news and mentions