For Active + Aspiring Poets & Writers
People looking to present, publish, improve their craft, get feedback, or be part of a writing community.
Will you publish my poem? How can I submit my poetry?
CPC is not a publisher and does not accept poetry submissions. If you’re looking for a space to write or perform, check out our workshops and open mics.
I’d like to be a featured reader for CPC, how do I do that?
If you are interested in featuring for one of the reading series, please complete this form. If you are interested in partnering on a performance, please reach out to programs@poetrycenter.org
Are you offering any poetry related jobs right now?
Jobs will be posted here as they become available, and will be announced on our socials and newsletter as well.
Where can I take a poetry writing workshop in Chicago?
The Chicago Poetry Center offers a monthly writing workshop for poets at any level of their craft as part of the Blue Hour Reading and Workshop series, September – May. The reading series follows and begins with a brief open mic, where many workshop participants try out their latest creations.
We occasionally offer additional workshops and those will be announced through our social media and newsletter.
Chicago has an amazing poetry community–If you’d like to explore other poetry offerings around town, check out our Community Events Calendar to see what others have submitted. (If you run a workshop or reading series, please share it with our calendar!)
Are there any local classes that are welcoming to new poetry writers?
The Chicago Poetry Center offers a monthly writing workshop for poets at any level of their craft as part of the Blue Hour Reading and Workshop series, September – May. The reading series follows and begins with a brief open mic, where many workshop participants try out their latest creations.
We occasionally offer additional workshops and those will be announced through our social media and newsletter.
Chicago has an amazing poetry community–If you’d like to explore other poetry offerings around town, check out our Community Events Calendar to see what others have submitted. (If you run a workshop or reading series, please share it with our calendar!)
I’m looking for a poetry critique group. Where should I start?
The Chicago Poetry Center does not offer critique as part of our workshop series. However, many writing groups have formed after participants met at CPC’s monthly workshop! We invite you to come check our workshop and explore other readings and workshops in Chicago. Spending time in literary community is the best way to find and build your own cohort of writers for ongoing writing support.
How can I get feedback on my poems from established poets?
There are a variety of routes to this–explore the local literary scene to find people who might be offering poetry feedback sessions and might be the right “poetic fit” for you and your work. Consider reaching out to a poet whose work you admire. While CPC doesn’t offer this service directly, our annual silent auction often features this service from some of the amazing poets in our community! Be on the lookout for our auction and in the meantime, the best way to find your people is to attend literary events. We invite you to come check our workshop and reading series, and explore other readings and workshops in Chicago.
I want to learn more about the craft of poetry from working poets. Any recommendations?
We recommend checking out CPC’s workshop and reading series, as well as the myriad amazing poetry offerings in and around Chicago.
For Poetry Lovers & Audience Members
People who want to listen to, watch, or read poetry in a community setting.
Where can I go to hear live poetry readings in Chicago?
We recommend exploring CPC’s events, workshops, and the many amazing series in and around town.
Are there any regular local poetry reading series that feature well-known poets?
Yes! We’re proud of our emerging and established features at Blue Hour, and hope you’ll come check it out (or live stream from anywhere).
I want to watch a poetry slam or open mic. What’s the best one in the city?
Blue Hour has been voted Chicago Reader’s Best Reading Series in Chicago multiple years! Come see what it’s all about! We recommend CPC’s Blue Hour Reading Series (fall through spring) and Poetry at the Green (summer). Both feature an open mic and you are warmly welcome to join. Chicago is a global poetry capital and we invite you to check out other offerings from our amazing literary community here.
Is there a place in Chicago that feels like a hub for the poetry community?
CPC is proudly one hub amidst an ecology of poetry communities! Consider joining the Chicago Poetry Center for our events, and to check out the amazing Haymarket House library. A great deal of exciting poetic collaboration and community emerges from our staff, board, and poets in residence, as well as workshop and open mic participants and audience members. If you’re looking for a full poetry library, check out the Poetry Foundation. While there’s endlessly (wonderfully!) more to explore, you can start with our community poetry events calendar.
How can I discover new local Chicago poets?
Join us at Blue Hour (fall through spring), Poetry at the Green (summer), and check out our community calendar.
For Teachers & Educators
Educators looking to bring poetry into their classrooms in an engaging way.
I’m a teacher and want to incorporate more poetry into my curriculum. Are there organizations that can help?
The Chicago Poetry Center loves supporting teaching as they incorporate poetry into their curriculum. Check out our full suite of educational offerings and reach out if you have any further questions after exploring.
Does any Chicago organization offer poets-in-residence for schools?
The Chicago Poetry Center offers poetry residencies for schools featuring a dedicated Poet in Residence from our amazing team of Chicago poets. We work with schools to customize their residency and find the perfect teaching artist for their community.
Where can I find lesson plans or resources for teaching poetry to middle/high school students?
Illinois Humanities offers free lesson plans, online lessons, and resources for educators and young writers. The Poetry Foundation has helpful learning prompts, discussion guides, and articles for teachers.
How can I get a poet to visit my classroom or school?
Email programs@poetrycenter.org to learn more about our school programs, Poets in Residence, and program fees.
For Students & Parents
Young people or their parents seeking creative outlets and educational enrichment
My teenager is really into writing. Are there any poetry programs for youth in Chicago?
Our in-school and after school programs are available to schools in the Chicago area. To connect your teen’s principal or teachers with CPC, email us at programs@poetrycenter.org.
My student loves writing poetry, is there anywhere for young people to be published?
There are a number of literary journals that publish poetry by kids and teens including Ember and Blue Marble Review.
For Those Seeking Broader Engagement
People interested working or volunteering in the field of poetry and with CPC
Are there any local literary organizations I should support or volunteer with?
Please consider supporting the Chicago Poetry Center! We’ve survived 50+ years as a small arts organization without an endowment thanks to dedicated community support!
Becoming a donor, encouraging others to donate, and joining our board are major ways to support our work. It’s also wonderful to share our events with others and attend yourself! While we occasionally have other volunteer opportunities, they are limited.
If you’re interested in pooling a group of people to sponsor a student, name a residency or more, feel free to reach out for more information: b@poetrycenter.org.
How can I become a board member of the Chicago Poetry Center?
Every year that the Chicago Poetry Center has open positions on our board, we will run an open call for applications and encourage you to apply. We’ll share that here, on our socials, and in our newsletter.
How can I work at the Chicago Poetry Center?
Details on our poetry job opportunities can be found here.