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Poetry Foundation's Fall 2025 Season: 'Facing Life'

The Poetry Foundation has announced an exciting array of free public events for the Fall 2025 season, centered around the captivating theme, "Facing Life." This initiative is designed to celebrate both visual and literary arts, showcasing a variety of poetry events, workshops, and exhibitions that aim to resonate with audiences and inspire contemplation about life, art, and culture.

A New Artistic Collaboration

The festivities kick off with the opening of an art exhibition inspired by the life and works of Peruvian poet and activist Magda Portal. The exhibition, titled "Victoria Martinez Frente a la vida / Facing Life," features striking murals and ceramic pieces that creatively interact with the Poetry Foundation's architectural space, transforming it into an expressive terrain that invites viewers to explore themes of life and existence.

On September 20, the Poetry Foundation will host a special panel discussion featuring artist Victoria Martinez and writer Nicole Kaack, discussing the emotional and cultural implications of the exhibition's themes. This interactive conversation will dive deep into the intersection of visual art and poetry, accentuating how these two forms can express profound human experiences.

A Multilingual Literary Experience

In an exciting collaboration with the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the Poetry Foundation will present the Chicago Transatlantic event on September 25. This unique multilingual poetry reading celebrates the European Day of Languages and highlights the diverse linguistic and immigrant heritage of Chicago. Notable poets such as Nick Makoha and Raymond Antrobus, both featured in the latest Poetry magazine issue, will take the stage to share their work, contributing to a rich dialogue on cultural exchange and identity.

Honoring Chicago's Voices

Another highlight of the season will be a special presentation by the Chicago Poet Laureate, avery r. young, on December 4. Titled "Chicago Soul Poem: A City That Writes Together," this event invites Chicagoans to celebrate local icons and landmarks by creating soloems, a new poetic form introduced by young himself. This project not only showcases the creativity of city residents but also reinforces community bonds through shared artistic expressions. The event promises live performances and video screenings of submitted soloems, emphasizing the collective narrative of Chicago.

A Celebration of Hip-Hop

Adding to the vibrancy of the season, October 16 marks the first anniversary of the 'Rapbrary,' a Chicago archive dedicated to preserving hip-hop as a literary art form. Curated by rapper Roy Kinsey, this celebratory evening will spotlight talented local artists including Mister Wallace, J Bambii, and Darius Caffey, along with the inaugural Rapbrary Awards, recognizing significant contributions to the literary world of hip-hop.

Prestigious Poetic Recognition

As the season progresses, anticipation builds for the Pegasus Public Reading event on October 24, where recipients of esteemed awards like the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize and the Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry will be honored. This gathering represents a unique opportunity for poetry enthusiasts to connect with some of the most influential voices in contemporary poetry.

The season culminates on December 11 with a special Peace Concert, featuring poets Pádraig Ó Tuama and E. Ethelbert Miller, alongside the Fulcrum Point New Music Project. This event has become a cherished tradition at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, emphasizing the importance of peace and community engagement through poetry and music.

Engaging with Poetry

Throughout the Fall 2025 season, the Poetry Foundation encourages everyone to immerse themselves in the transformative power of poetry. From engaging performances to thought-provoking exhibitions, this lineup promises to provide enriching experiences that reflect upon life's varied dimensions.

For more details about the events, including dates and locations, visit PoetryFoundation.org/Events to stay updated on new offerings and be part of this vibrant literary community.

About the Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for poetry and advocating for poets and their contributions to culture. Their mission emphasizes the profound impact poetry has on individuals and communities alike, providing opportunities for engagement, creation, and sharing of poetry across diverse platforms.