‘Giving Voice: In Celebration of Youth Poets’ kicks off March 31 at Imago Gallery
Imago Foundation for the Arts (IFA) is announcing a three-part poetry program called “Giving Voice: In Celebration of Youth Poets” showcasing young poets from across Rhode Island while providing special encouragement for youth poets in the East Bay. The program will take place on three separate dates in March and April at Imago Gallery located at 36 Market Street in Warren.
“Giving Voice Part I,” is a youth-oriented spoken-word performance and community open mic event hosted by the Providence Poetry Slam, also known as ProvSlam. The slam event will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 31. Open to the whole community, admission is free for high school age teens with a suggested donation of $5 for adults 18 and older.
“Giving Voice Part II” is a youth poetry workshop specifically targeted for high school students who live in the East Bay that will be held on Saturday, April 8 from 10:30 – 4 p.m. Led by Rhode Island Poet Laureate Tina Cane, the workshop will include introductory readings by students selected by the Rhode Island Center for the Book for the 2023 Youth Poetry Ambassador Program. The readings portion will be open to the public, including teachers and interested family members.
“Giving Voice Part III,” is a youth poetry reading that will take place from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30. Participants in the youth poetry workshop will be invited to read their work to an audience at Imago Gallery. The event will be free and open to the public and will provide participants with the opportunity to invite their family and friends to hear them read their work.
Imago is working with East Bay high schools to encourage student participation in all three parts of the program. All high school age students attending school or living in the East Bay are encouraged to register for the free workshop on Eventbrite at: https://youthpoetryworkshopatimago.eventbrite.com or by calling 401-528-7210 or emailing imagogallery@gmail.com.
This program is being supported in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional sponsorship by BankNewport and the White Family Foundation.