Autumn is just around the corner, and the Poetry Foundation in Chicago is ready to inspire! Get ready for a season packed with free events, from captivating workshops and unique art exhibitions to multilingual poetry readings. Which event are you most excited to experience this fall?
The esteemed Poetry Foundation, a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape, is set to unveil an inspiring array of free public events for its eagerly anticipated fall season. Under the resonant theme “Facing Life,” this year’s programming promises a deep exploration of poetic expression, integrating diverse artistic disciplines and featuring voices from both the local Chicago poetry scene and the international literary community.
This autumn’s schedule is meticulously curated to highlight the profound connection between visual art and poetic interpretation. Attendees can anticipate engaging experiences that transcend traditional readings, incorporating elements of music and showcasing innovative new poetic forms that push the boundaries of creative expression, making these literary events truly unique.
Kicking off the season, September 20 marks the grand opening of the “Victoria Martinez” exhibition. This compelling display draws its inspiration from the rich life and impactful work of Peruvian poet and activist Magda Portal. The exhibition’s launch will feature an insightful conversation with the artist herself, Victoria Martinez, alongside esteemed writer Nicole Kaack, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic process and its poetic roots.
Just days later, on September 25, the Chicago Poetry Foundation will forge an exciting partnership with the European Union National Institutes for Culture to present “Chicago Transatlantic.” This multilingual poetry reading is designed to be a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, exploring the expansive linguistic tapestry and diverse immigrant heritages that define the city. The event will feature notable contributors from Poetry magazine, alongside acclaimed poets Nick Makoha and Raymond Antrobus.
October 24 will be a significant evening as the foundation hosts its prestigious awards ceremony, honoring the 2025 recipients of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, the Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry, and the Pegasus Award for Poetry Critics. The names of these distinguished honorees will be announced on September 10, building anticipation for their recognition in the literary world.
Beyond the core events, the fall season offers a variety of engaging poetry workshops designed to foster creative writing and appreciation for the art form among participants of all skill levels. These educational opportunities underscore the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing new talent and deepening public engagement with poetry.
The season will culminate in a memorable event on December 11, as poets Pádraig Ó Tuama and E. Ethelbert Miller join forces with the Fulcrum Point New Music Project for their 27th annual Peace Concert. Hosted at the historic Fourth Presbyterian Church, this collaborative performance promises to be a powerful blend of spoken word and musical artistry, providing a reflective conclusion to the “Facing Life” theme and these impactful cultural exchange initiatives.
