On May 6th and 7th, the Festival will host a first-ever Teen Poetry Track curated, in part, by Mass Poetry’s Teen Council. This will include several interactive and multi-genre events, such as the creation of a mural, a poetry showcase, and a teen poetry slam featuring several Massachusetts teams. All teens are welcome, free of charge. No sign ups required!
Cool Down Room
Saturday, May 6, 10:00am -5:00pm, NAGLY
This space is for any and all teens that need a minute. Hear a poem that gave you some feelings? Need a minute to rest? Want some quiet time to work on your own poem, or do some low-key activities like magnetic poetry? We got you. Drop in any time, and stay as long as you like.
NAGLY (the North Shore Alliance for GLBTQ+ Youth) is a non-profit whose mission is to honor, respect, educate, and empower GLBTQ+ youth.
The Add-Some-Art Mural
Saturday, May 6, 10:00am -5:00pm, NAGLY
Are you a teen who loves drawing, doodling, designing, sketching, scribbling? Do we have the wall for you! Drop in to add some art, or a couple lines of poetry, to our mural anytime from 10-5 on Saturday. Be in conversation with other teen artists, and create something cool and collaborative together. From 10-11:30 artist Nile Hennick, with your help, will be leading a workshop to get the art mural started.
Poetry &
Saturday, May 6, 10:30am -12:30pm, Cinema Salem
This showcase of young poets pairs poetry with the potential of other art forms. There will be pairings of poetry and music, poetry and theatre, poetry and visual art. This event will uplift youth voices making art in many forms and shines a light on all the different ways poetry can take shape.
Poetry Comix Workshop: Sketch & Snack
Saturday, May 6, 1:00pm-2:30pm, NAGLY
Join Ryan Valentine, the artist behind Poetry Comix, for this teen-only workshop. Learn about visual storytelling, the history and basics of cartooning, and turn your own (or your favorite!) poems into works of art. Materials will be provided. Come for the whole workshop or drop in when you can. Lunch will be provided for teens courtesy of NAGLY.
That’s my Fam! Youth Poetry Slam
Saturday, May 6, 3:00pm -6:00pm, Cinema Salem
Five teams of youth poets will join each other on stage to practice the art of poetry slam. We will be moved to laughter, moved to tears, and moved to action by the stories shared after four rounds of poetry. Hope to see you there with your voices ready to shout, That’s my Fam!
Featured performer Krysten Hill.
This event is co-sponsored by Mass Poetry, the Lowell Poetry Wheel, and Mass Cultural Council.
You Are Here: Workshop & Open Mic
Sunday, May 7, 1:30pm-3:00pm, Peabody Essex Museum Garden Atrium
Take a journey throughout the region to celebrate the stories of where we call home. You’re invited to a special writing workshop, collaborative visual arts exhibit, and an open mic, hosted by Mass Poetry’s Teen Council. Open to all!
This event is made possible with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.