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Blue Hour March 19

The Chicago Poetry Center presents BLUE HOUR, a free monthly in-person reading series and generative writing workshop at Haymarket House, 800 W. Buena. Our March featured readers are Sarah Ghazal Ali and R.A. Villanueva. […]

Poetry Out Loud 2025 Chicagoland Regionals Winners!!!

The Chicago Poetry Center is now in its 8th year as Chicagoland Regional Host Organization for the national youth poetry competition, Poetry Out Loud. Poetry Out Loud is a collaborative project of the Illinois […]

CPC’s Values Remain in Times of Change

Letter sent by CPC Executive Director to all board, staff, and Poets in Residence on Monday, February 3, 2025: As news mounts of organizations changing their values or language due to pressure from the […]

Our Silent Auction is Live!

Our silent auction is open for bids! We’re excited to be auctioning dozens of great bundles ranging in interest, all generously donated by staff, board members, and board alums! A few highlights: These are […]

Critical Conversations: Anti-Racism Free Sessions

From February through June of 2025, the Chicago Poetry Center is offering free online Critical Conversations: Anti-Racism sessions open to all. Drawing on CPC’s decades of workshop facilitation, Critical Conversations use poetry as a […]

Blue Hour February 19

The Chicago Poetry Center presents BLUE HOUR, a free monthly in-person reading series and generative writing workshop at Haymarket House, 800 W. Buena. Our February featured readers are Elizabeth Strauss Friedman & Faisal Mohyuddin. […]

2024 POL Champion – Yohanna Interview

For nearly ten years, the Chicago Poetry Center has partnered with the Illinois Arts Council as the Chicagoland Regional host for Poetry Out Loud (POL). Two-time Illinois POL champion, Yohanna Endashaw, won the Suburban Schools Regionals in […]

How to Apply to Writing Residencies: Presented by Keith S. Wilson

Looking for a way to devote time and energy to your poetry without the distractions of your busy life? Apply to a writing residency! Join the Chicago Poetry Center as poet Keith S. Wilson […]

Join us in celebrating 20 years of Poetry Out Loud in 2025!

The Chicago Poetry Center is pleased to serve in its 8th year as the Chicagoland Regional Host Organization for the national Poetry Out Loud Teen Competition. Poetry Out Loud is a collaborative project in partnership with […]

Bigger Table: Write & Give Back Series (Virtual Workshop)

The Chicago Poetry Center Board invites you to join us at Bigger Table: Write & Give Back – a thematic writing fundraiser series to support poetry programming at Chicago Public Schools. Theme: The theme for the workshop on Dec […]

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I’M FROM THE CITY LIGHTS / STREAMING OUT IN THE NIGHT / AND HUGE SKYSCRAPERS / TOWERING OVER THE LAKE – MELISSA E., 7TH GRADE POET