Performing Identities On (& Off) the Page: Queer Femme Artists of Color
Hairpin Arts Center 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor, Chicago, IL, United StatesBuilding on a conversation begun with last Fall’s Applied Words: Performing Queerness On (& Off) the Page, this reading and performance panel brings together three Chicago-based queer femme artists of color working across writing and performance, who use language, body, and voice to reconsider and confront the limitations and possibilities of identity in diverse ways. Through three […]
BrooksDay 2019
Chicago State University, Gwendolyn Brooks Library 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL, United StatesBrooksDay is the Guild Literary Complex’s annual celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks, held every year on June 7th, the anniversary of her birth. Since 2013, BrooksDay has been a marquee event in the Guild’s yearly calendar with many literary, cultural, and civic leaders from Chicago and beyond taking the stage to celebrate and honor Gwendolyn Brooks, former […]
The Guild’s 30th Anniversary Party
Chopin Theater 1543 W DivisionThe Guild hosted an evening celebrating the Guild’s first 30 years, and looking forward to the next 30. Important voices from the Guild’s past introduced the Guild’s 30 Writers to Watch in 2019 and beyond. We saw old friends & made some new ones, while enjoying music, hors d’oeuvres, and an-end-of night raffle featuring unique […]
Of Poetry and Protest Exhibit Opening
Stony Island Arts Bank 6760 S. Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL, United StatesPresented by The Guild Literary Complex + Rebuild Foundation Continuing the collaboration between The Guild Complex and Rebuild Foundation built on the 2016 anthology of African American political art and poetry, Of Poetry and Protest: From Emmett Till to Trayvon Martin (WW Norton), this exhibit seeks to capture the transformative power that fuels social movements and sustains families and communities confronting […]
Of Poetry and Protest: Legacy of the Black Arts Movement
A screening, reading & conversation This multi-media program looks at the legacy of the Black Arts Movement (BAM) in Chicago as part of the opening weekend of the Of Poetry and Protest exhibit, looking back at the history of Chicago’s BAM and reflecting on the artists and institutions that have extended its impact in the decades since […]
Narraciones en Tiempos Distintos / Narrations in Different Times
La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United StatesEn estos tiempos difíciles y en mérito a la evolucion de la lengua, contamos las historias que nuestros zapatos caminan, desde 4 perspectivas diferentes. Democracia, intertextualidad, el muro, THC, LGBTTQQIAAP, el decálogo, historias de supermarkets, literalidad, teorias secretas y mucho más. Stories for difficult times and the evolution of the language, from 4 different perspectives. […]
GBOMA Finals 2019
The Promontory 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, Chicago, IL, United StatesThe Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) is an annual poetry competition founded by Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) and open to all Illinois residents over the age of 18. The top contestants selected by guest judges from the poetry community are invited to perform their original poems at the live finals event, where the audience favorite […]
Film Screening: Luis Argueta’s U Turn
Chopin Theater 1543 W DivisionIncarcerated: Stories, Poetry and Perspectives
Read/Write Library at the Justice Hotel 6108 North Kenmore, Chicago, IL, United StatesInformation Wants to Be Free & So Do We A Pop Up Library on Communication, Control & Mass Incarceration In collaboration with Read/Write Library, the Guild Complex brings the stories from the formerly incarcerated. “Information Wants to Be Free & So Do We” asks audiences to question the idea that social, emotional, and intellectual control […]
Final Palabra Pura of 2019 on Translation
La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United StatesJoin the Guild Literary Complex for the last Palabra Pura event of the year, hosted by Kolin Jordan and featuring Amaia Gabantxo and Andrew Hertzberg. Translation will be a theme of this event, so feel free to bring a translation of yours (a poem or a few lines of a prose piece) for the open […]
Cyntoia Brown-Long: An Evening in Dialogue
Mandel Hall 1131 E. 57th Street, Chicago, IL, United StatesJoin us for a powerful evening of dialogue between Dr. Tara Betts, the Literary Editor of New City, and author Cyntoia Brown-Long as they discuss her new book, Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System.
One Poet/One Poem
La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United StatesJoin us for the Guild’s annual One Poet/One Poem event as part of our ongoing bi-lingual Palabra Pura reading series. Here are this year's participants: Emcee: Mary Hawley Readers: Emmanuel Ayala Eduardo Arocho Melissa Cintron Carlos Cumpián Angelica Davila Nick Garcia Silvia Goldman Gregorio Gomez Adam Gottlieb Carolina Herrera Kolin Jordan Olivia Maciel Pedro Pablo […]
Cancelled: Backbone Press Chicago Reading
Chopin Theater 1543 W DivisionThe Guild Complex Presents: A reading with Backbone Press Featuring our 30 Writers to Watch Tara Betts and Faisal Mohyuddin, along with other Backbone Press authors Naoko Fujimoto, Allison Joseph, and Aozora Brockman. As a response to the bleak state of diversity in publishing, Backbone Press has been publishing diversely since 2012, supporting writers who […]
Cancelled: 30W2W Book Release & Reading
Hopleaf 5148 N Clark St, Chicago, ILJoin the Guild Literary Complex in celebrating the recent release of The Distance Between by Timothy J. Hillegonds, and a reading from Kenyatta Rogers, two of the Guild’s 30 Writers to Watch. Hillegonds’s memoir is a finely wrought exploration of, and reckoning with, absent fathers, fatherhood, violence, adolescent rage, white male privilege, and his own […]
Poesia en Abril – Postponed
More details to come!
Palabra Pura Anniversary Launch
More details coming soon!
BrooksDay – Postponed
BrooksDay 2020 will not be held on June 7th, due to COVID-19 restrictions. We're planning a date for the fall and will have more details soon.
Printers Row
Printers Row Lit Fest 2020 has been postponed until September.
Book Release for Mike Puican’s Central Air
The Poetry Foundation 61 W Superior St, Chicago, United StatesBook Release and Reading for Mike Puican's new book of poetry, Central Air. September 17, 2020 7:00pm - 8:00pm, reception to follow Poetry Foundation Also featuring readings from Mary Hawley and Marc Smith, with an introduction from Mark Turcotte. Praise for Central Air: “When I read Mike Puican’s Central Air, I can feel Chicago in my bones like […]
GBOMA
Check back soon for more details!
Musicality of Poetry: Marvin Tate
Marvin Tate: Schoolyard of Broken Dreams as part of the Guild's Musicality of Poetry series More details coming soon.
Fuller Award: Reginald Gibbons
Newberry Library 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, ILFuller Award: Reginald GibbonsThursday, October 29, 2020 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Reginald Gibbons's prolific writing career has included publication of ten full-length poetry collections; a short story collection and a novel; numerous essays, reviews, columns, and translations; and as editor a myriad of anthologies. His work is widely anthologized and has many Gibbons many […]
“From the Mississippi Delta” Sneak Peek, with Lifeline and Pegasus Theatres
Lifeline Theatre 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesThis event is one of several community events, performances and conversations supporting Lifeline Theatre and Pegasus Theatre Chicago’s production FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA. For more details about the production and surrounding events, see the Pegasus Theatre’s website, their Facebook page, and Eventbrite. Part of Lifeline’s season programming, join the actors, director and a member of […]
Exhibit B Presents: Seeing the Space Between Us | An Evening in Community with Diana Solís & Friends
Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesChicago icon Diana Solís will be joined by an intergenerational group of Latinx artists and writers for readings and a conversation about the past/present/future of Spanish language poetry in Chicago. The event will also celebrate Solís' recently released photography book, Luz: Seeing The Space Between Us, which tracks her return to photography and a matured […]
One State Conference & Capital Day
Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. 6th St., Springfield, Illinois, United StatesJoin us in Springfield for the largest gathering of the arts and culture community in Illinois! Featuring a keynote address from J. Ivy, sessions hosted by arts leaders from all over the state, and a reception at the Governor’s Mansion hosted by First Lady MK Pritzker, the One State Conference will be an action-packed day […]
Transvengence | Maurice Tracy + Open Mic on April 26th
My Buddy's (Upstairs) 4416 N Clark St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesTransvengence is back! Launched in 2022 as part of the Guild's Press Room series, the brainchild of your host, Joss Barton, a trans performer, poet and writer. This event will include an open mic and feature: Maurice Tracy from St Louis. Maurice Tracy is a transfemme at the beginning of their journey. They are a […]
Feria del Libro (May 4-6)
Ida Noyes Hall | University of Chicago 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago, IllinoisSomos un colectivo de escritores y editoriales independientes con el propósito de promoverla obra en español propia de Estados Unidos. ¡PRÓXIMAMENTE! El español está vivito y coleando en Estados Unidos; incluso, el país ha escalado a la cuarta posición con mayor número de hispanohablantes en el mundo. Se habla ampliamente en el ámbito público y […]
Palabra Pura Poetry Pop-Up @ Feria del Libro
Ida Noyes Hall | University of Chicago 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago, IllinoisPalabra Pura Poetry Pop-Up featuring Carlos Cumpián, Inmagela Abreu, Beatriz Badikian-Gartler, and Jonny Fadez, with moderator Mary Hawley. This event is part of Feria del Libro (May 4-6).
Slam Diáspora @ Feria del Libro
The Pub - University of Chicago, Ida Noyes Hall (basement) 1212 E 59th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States¡Abierto a poetas de todos estilos y edades! Desde quien apenas esta empezando a escribir, a quienes llevan décadas escribiendo-- todos están bienvenidos a participar. Sólo necesitas dos poemas Ubicado en El Pub, un bar en el beisman de la Universidad de Chicago Ida Noyes Hall. Se puede registrar en línea o el mismo día […]
Black Feminist Poetics: From the Dirt to the Delta
Pegasus at Chicago Dramatists 765 N. Aberdeen (May and Aberdeen), Chicago, IllinoisThis program explores the poetics inspired by From the Mississippi Delta. Saunte Harden-Tate, Nikki Patin, Mojdeh Stoakley and members of the Guild Complex will perform works written by Nina Simone, Beah Richards, Gwendolyn Brooks and other Black feminist poets and then perform their own pieces written as response, resulting in a poetic conversation about and […]
TAKING ROOT: Poetry Event with the South Asia Institute
South Asia Institute 1925 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IllinoisIn honor of AAPI Month, the South Asia Institute and the Guild Literary Complex bring you TAKING ROOT. This arts event features an exhibition tour, poetry, music, book signing, and more... Poetry reading moderated by Faisal Mohyuddin, with poets George Abraham, Czaerra Galicinao Ucol, Samina Hadi-Tabassum, and Saba Keramati. Music by Maninder Singh. Documentation from […]
Exhibit B Reading: Chad Morgan, Crystal Vance Guerra, Parker Young, and Christie Valentin-Bati
Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesJoin us on Thursday, May 25th, as Exhibit B brings the show to Pilsen Community Books featuring performances from Chad Morgan, Crystal Vance Guerra, Parker Young, and Christie Valentin-Bati.
10th Annual BrooksDay
South Shore Cultural Center 7059 S South Shore Dr., Chicago, IllinoisThis year marks the 10th anniversary of BrooksDay! Join the Guild Literary Complex as we honor the legacy of poet Gwendolyn Brooks and celebrate the launch of One Poem, One Chicago, which starts with a reissue of Brooks' 1987 poetry collection Blacks (Third World Press). One Poem, One Chicago is a collaboration of the Poetry […]
TransVengence | Aza Greenlee, Noa/Nomi Micaela Fields, and Ava Mirage Wanbli on June 20th
My Buddy's (Upstairs) 4416 N Clark St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesJoin us for TransVengence with your host, Joss Barton! This month features readings by Aza Greenlee, Noa/Moni Micaela Fields, and Ava Mirage Wanbli. Doors open at 7pm upstairs at My Buddy's! Featuring: Noa Micaela (Nomi) Fields is an echodeviant* (*trans poets with hearing aids) in search of transversal wildness in her one and only captionless […]
A Night with Ana Castillo
Asmus/Hilton Gallery (Morgan Arts Complex, Bridgeport) 3622 S. Morgan St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesIn partnership with Hilton/Asmus Galleries, the Guild Complex will host a special reading with Ana Castillo from her new book, Doña Cleanwell Leaves Home. Joining her will be special guest, IL Poet Laureate Angela Jackson. The event will take place on Monday, June 26th, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Hilton/Asmus Gallery, Bridgeport location (3622 […]
“…Advice at the beginning of the revolution” with Michael Warr + Tongo Eisen-Martin
Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, IllinoisAs part of our Press Room series, join us for a reading and discussion with Bay Area authors, Michael Warr and Tongo Eisen-Martin (San Fransisco Poet Laureate) about their work, the nature of protest, and how the historical acts of revolution during the heyday of the Black Power Movement in the Bay Area have influenced […]
“Black Fire: This Time” | A Reading
Blanc Gallery 4445 South King Drive, Chicago, IllinoisBlack Fire: This Time, Volume 1 from Willow Books (a division of Aquarius Press) celebrates the roots and legacy of the Black Arts Movement featuring the works of over 100 poets and writers. Published last spring, perfectly captures the spirit of sankofa, a word from the Akan people of Ghana that roughly translates to “it is […]
Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem
La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United StatesPalabra Pura is back! Come join us with a poem or your favorite text for a community reading in English and Spanish, featuring guest host Crystal Vance-Guerra! Have a drink, say hi to old friends, and enjoy some bilingual poetry. This event is free, open to the public, and anyone can bring a poem.
Exhibit B @ Comfort Station | Social Justice Festival
Comfort Station/Logan Square Park 2579 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IllinoisExhibit B, Comfort Station, and the Guild Literary Complex are coming together to host a free outdoor festival in the heart of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. This special event will feature live music, poetry, free food, and a book drive, along with non-profit organizations tabling to share the incredible work they're doing in and around […]
Transvengence feat. C. Russell Price and Trinity Sapphire (+ Open Mic)
Clash on Clark 4416 N. Clark St., Chicago, IllinoisJoin your host Joss Barton for Transvengence on Thursday, September 7th! This month features performances by C. Russell Price and Trinity Sapphire, followed by a discussion and open mic.
End of Summer Mixer with Guild Complex + Jose Aleman Sasieta
Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IllinoisJoin us for a mixer and artist chat at Epiphany Center for the Arts' Golden Hour. First 50 can have a drink on us! Artist talk with Jose Alemain Sasieta begins at 6:30pm.
Exhibit B @ Printers Row Lit Fest
Printers' Row Lit Fest - 731 S. Plymouth Ct. 731 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago, IllinoisExhibit B will be back at Printers Row Lit Fest! Faylita Hicks, Daniel Borzutzky, Nakiyah T.M. Jordan, and Exhibit B's very own, James Stewart III, are going to bring it! Catch them on Saturday, Sept. 9th, 4 PM at 731 S. Plymouth Ct.
Going the Distance: A Printers Row Reading with Ana Castillo + Reginald Gibbons
Printers' Row Lit Fest - Feinberg Foundation Stage Chicago, IllinoisTwo writers—Ana Castillo, Doña Cleanwell Leaves Home and Reginald Gibbons, Sweetbitter—read from their latest work and talk about finding longevity in creative writing and the arts. Conversation moderated by Richard Guzman. Presented by Hypertext and The Guild Complex. 1:00 PM @ Feinberg Foundation Stage, Printers Row Lit Fest
A Literary Mash Up at Printers Row Lit Fest
Come to the Printers Row Lit Fest's Center Stage for a joint reading presented by the Guild Literary Complex, Hypertext, and RHINO Poetry, with two readers each from Chicago's three long-standing literary institutions. Featured readers include:Cheryl Dyer (emerging writer)Nazifa Islam (Forlorn Light – Shearsman 2021)Sahar Mustafah (The Beauty of Your Face – W.W. Norton & […]
2023 | Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards
The Den Theatre 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, ILCongratulations to the 2023 GBOMA winner: Myron Stokes! Come out and support the 2023 finalists for the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) as they perform their works live! GET TICKETS NOW 2023 finalists: Fadia AntabliJóse Bono RovirosaJanet BurrowayMars CaultonMorgan EklundKat FreezeAllison JosephKhloe KammerzellChuck KramerRobert LawrenceIrene MartinezMiguel MarzanaDavid MathewsFrancesca MoroneyHilesh PatelTimothy David ReyMyron StokesKira TuckerCrystal Vance […]
Generative Multilogue: Artful Protest
South Asia Institute 1925 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IllinoisCreative Iranian Women Digital Projection and Immersive Experience Invited Artists: Shaghayegh Mohajeri, Alemeh Bagherian, Hedie Javani, Saba Soleimani, Pouye Peyman, Sara Rahanjam Opening reception with musical performances and poetry recitation.
Lit & Luz Festival | 10th Anniversary Celebration
This year’s theme is “TEN,” –celebrating 10 years of remarkable programming. This October, join us for more than a dozen bilingual programs throughout Chicago. This year’s festival kicks off on October 13th with an exhibition of work from Lit & Luz Collaboration Cohort artists from the past decade at Chicago Art Department and closes on […]
30th Anniversary of Always Running with Luis Rodriguez
Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IllinoisIn collaboration with the Chicago History Museum, The Guild Complex celebrates 30 years of AlwaysRunning—the debut novel by author, poet, and founder/publisher of Tia Chucha Press, Luis J Rodriguez. There will be some special performances followed by a special reading with Luis Rodriguez along with an interview and discussion with Hector Chavez, PhD, Loyola University […]
Chile—50 Years of Protest and Change: A Reading and Discussion with Kathleen Osberger
Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, IllinoisAuthor, Kathy Osberger will read from her new book I Surrender: A Memoir of Chile's Dictatorship, 1975, which chronicles her experiences in Chile two years into the violent authoritarian reign of General Pinochet. A discussion, with the author, on the political situation in Chile today will immediately follow featuring Mario Venegas (human rights activist and torture survivor from […]
Exhibit B | A Literary Variety Show
Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesExhibit B's November reading at Pilsen Community Books will feature poetry, prose, and a piano as authors Willie Lin, S.L. Wisenberg, and Michael Dean, will be joined by pianist Marissa Kerbel for a special evening.
An Evening w/ Kathleen Rooney & Jeremy T. Wilson
Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesJoin us for an evening with two Chicago novelists to celebrate the release of From Dust to Stardust by Kathleen Rooney and The Quail Who Wears the Shirt by Jeremy T. Wilson! Kathleen Rooney is a founding editor of Rose Metal Press, and a founding member of Poems While You Wait. Her latest poetry collection, Where Are […]
Palabra Pura: Marc Zimmerman Carlos Cumpian Book Launch + Open Mic
18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesLACASA Chicago, Movimento Artístico Chicano (MARCH), 18th Street Casa de Cultura & Guild Literary Complex Invite you to Marc Zimmerman’s Pre-85th Birthday Book Launch of his most important Chicago Latino Publication on the rise of a literary movement: Mexican and Chicano Literature in Chicago: Transplanting Early Roots to the Barrios and Beyond. “Zimmerman a writer […]
Guild Complex Holiday Mixer
Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IllinoisJoin the Guild Complex for a holiday mixer on Thursday, December 14th (6-7:30pm) at the Epiphany Center for the Arts' Golden Hour! Featuring a special artist chat, live music by Bear Williams, happy hour food and beverages, and the first 50 guests get their first drink for free!
AWP | Poets for the People: KC All Stars Open Mic hosted by Brandon “Amayzn” Nelson
Black Archives Of Mid-America 1722 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MissouriIn collaboration with the Guild Literary Complex, Cave Canem, and the BLK+BRWN Bookstore, Exhibit B is hosting a series of literary events, free and open to the public, at the Black Archives of Mid-America which will center Black artists and allies. These events complement the AWP conference. This program is made possible by the support […]
AWP | Poets for the People: Opening Reading with Patricia Smith, Roger Reeves, Dr. Taylor Byas, jason b. crawford, and Niki Herd
Black Archives Of Mid-America 1722 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MissouriIn collaboration with the Guild Literary Complex, Cave Canem, and the BLK+BRWN Bookstore, Exhibit B is hosting a series of literary events, free and open to the public, at the Black Archives of Mid-America which will center Black artists and allies. These events complement the AWP conference. This program is made possible by the support […]
AWP | Poets for the People: In Conversation with J. Howard Rosier
Black Archives Of Mid-America 1722 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MissouriIn collaboration with the Guild Literary Complex, Cave Canem, and the BLK+BRWN Bookstore, Exhibit B is hosting a series of literary events, free and open to the public, at the Black Archives of Mid-America which will center Black artists and allies. These events complement the AWP conference. This program is made possible by the support […]
AWP | Poets for the People: Reading with Brittany Rogers, Bernardo Wade, India Lena Gonzalez, and Kenyatta Rogers
Black Archives Of Mid-America 1722 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MissouriIn collaboration with the Guild Literary Complex, Cave Canem, and the BLK+BRWN Bookstore, Exhibit B is hosting a series of literary events, free and open to the public, at the Black Archives of Mid-America which will center Black artists and allies. These events complement the AWP conference. This program is made possible by the support […]
AWP | Poets for the People: Killing the Negative: Book Talk & Reading with Quraysh Ali Lansana, Moheb Soliman, and Joel Daniel
Black Archives Of Mid-America 1722 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MissouriIn collaboration with the Guild Literary Complex, Cave Canem, and the BLK+BRWN Bookstore, Exhibit B is hosting a series of literary events, free and open to the public, at the Black Archives of Mid-America which will center Black artists and allies. These events complement the AWP conference. This program is made possible by the support […]
AWP | Poets for the People: Closing Reading with m. mick powell, Grayson Thompson, and Donika Kelly
Black Archives Of Mid-America 1722 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MissouriIn collaboration with the Guild Literary Complex, Cave Canem, and the BLK+BRWN Bookstore, Exhibit B is hosting a series of literary events, free and open to the public, at the Black Archives of Mid-America which will center Black artists and allies. These events complement the AWP conference. This program is made possible by the support […]
Transvengence: Valentine’s Day Edition
Clash on Clark 4416 N. Clark St., Chicago, IllinoisTransvengence: Valentine's Day Edition; open mic starts at 7:30pm.
Exhibit B: Reading with Juan Martinez, Charif Shanahan, Helene Alchanzar, S Yarberry
Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesExhibit B is back home from AWP and once again bringing the show to our favorite bookstore in the city, Pilsen Community Books! On Thursday, Feb. 29th, join us as we bring together another incredible lineup featuring Charif Shanahan, Helene Achanzar, S. Yarberry, and Juan Martinez!
Worlds End… Worlds Begin
Steppenwolf 1700 Theatre 1700 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesFriday, 3/1: 8pm | Saturday, 3/2: 8pm An evening of multimedia performances hosted by spoken-word artist Kao Ra Zen that take you on a journey through worlds and words, dimensions and dances, multiverses and music. Featuring performances by:Spoken word poet, rapper, performance artist and director, Kao Ra ZenBelly dance/"raqs sharqi" troupe, Il Worood Il Beledi with choreography by Phaedra DarwishChicago Mask Ensemble led by Marianna BuchwaldDancer Allen […]
Artists Book House and StoryStudio present: The Future of Literary Stewardship
Colvin House 5940 N Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IllinoisArtists Book House And StoryStudio Chicago Invite You To A Special Panel: The Future Of Literary Stewardship. What is literary stewardship/literary community, and how is it currently practiced in Chicago? How do we as individuals, organizations, and communities intentionally engage in building spaces and opportunities for literary folks to learn, grow, create, feel accepted, mentor, be mentored, share, and succeed […]
Exhibit B ONLINE
Join us on Thurs. March 28th, as Exhibit B will feature incredible performances from artists Anna Portnoy Brimmer, Summer J. Hart, and Flor Flores.
FLECHO Book Fair
We are excited to announce, the Guild Complex will participate in FLECHO in Quibdo, Colombia! From March 20-24, members of the Guild Complex along with 4 talented and creative Afro-Latin writers will travel and participate in this four-city traveling book fair which will culminate in Quibdo, Columbia. Participating writers include Kianny Antigua (New Hampshire), Alan […]
Nikki Patin Book Release
The Honeycomb Network 2659 W Division St., Chicago, IllinoisJoin us for the book release event for Nikki Patin's new memoir, Working on Me. The event will include a reading and discussion with Denise Ruiz, owner and founder of The Honeycomb Network; a book signing; DJ set with Duane Powell; and light refreshments. $10 general admission, $20 for admission + copy of the book […]
Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The new Chicago Literary Hall of Fame class of Hamlin Garland, Eunice Tietjens, and E. Donald Two Rivers will be inducted at a ceremony featuring a lineup that includes William J. Bowe, Melissa Bradshaw, Carlos Cumpián, Jesse Raber, and Dorene Wiese. Two Rivers's daughter, Annabelle Broeffle, and Garland's great grandson, Christopher Harper, will be on hand to accept the CLHOF statues. A reception will follow the […]
National Poetry Month Event @ Blanc Gallery
Blanc Gallery 4445 South King Drive, Chicago, IllinoisFor National Poetry Month, the Guild Complex offers a special program featuring the newly minted Indiana State poet Laureate Curtis Crisler, alongside the current Illinois Poet Laureate and the most prolific Miss Angela Jackson. The program will also feature special performances from the Write It Down! Collective. BIOS: Curtis L. Crisler was born and raised […]
WORKSHOP | Walking the Middle Path: Using Hoodoo to Tell Your Story
Green Line Performing Arts Center 329 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, United StatesIf your goal is to get over that writer's block and finally tell your story--hoodoo can help! Participants will walk away with a basic understanding of how to read tarot, how to pull information from oracles, astrology, and herbs in relation to their creative writing project, and how to respectfully engage hoodoo practices when running […]
Spirits, Spirituality, & Craft | Reading & Panel
Green Line Performing Arts Center 329 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, United StatesAs writers, celebrating culture through our work is as easy as sitting across the table from grandma. That ancestral influence is undeniable, but for some it is more intentional. It can be the circulatory process that streams through the work that is produced. Whether baptized in holy water or animal sacrifice - Christianity, Voodun, Santeria […]
Elsewhere: An Elegy Book Release Event with Faisal Mohyuddin
Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, IllinoisJoin us for poetry and stories of the collective breath held by a grieving world and to celebrate Elsewhere: An Elegy with author Faisal Mohyuddin. "Faisal Mohyuddin’s Elsewhere: An Elegy is a memory palace of rooms filled with riversongs and baited fishhooks, where longing transforms into birds. This is a moving collection which touches on faith, grief, and fatherhood. It is […]
Feria del Libro
El español está vivito y coleando en Estados Unidos; incluso, el país ha escalado a la cuarta posición con mayor número de hispanohablantes en el mundo. Se habla ampliamente en el ámbito público y privado, y no solamente por la comunidad latina. Con más de 42 millones de hablantes, el español es el segundo idioma […]
Slam Diáspora @ Feria del Libro
Ida Noyes Hall | University of Chicago 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago, Illinois¡EN PERSONA! @ The Pub, Ida Noyes Hall (1212 E. 59th Street) 9pm Puertas AbrenComienza 9:30pm MCs: Crystal Vance y Luis Tubens Requisitos:Preparar 2 poemas de 3 minutos cada unoPoemas deben ser 75% en Español Más información sobre Feria del Libro
Poets (still) for Palestine: A Night of Art & Community with Exhibit B
Co-Prosperity 3219 S Morgan St., Chicago, IllinoisInspired by the continued resilience of the Palestinian people and the rise of campus protests, Exhibit B and the Guild Literary Complex are hosting another fundraiser for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the support for this event in early December and feel the continued need to do something tangible with […]
What Came After: An Evening of Poetry with Christopher Stewart and John McCarthy
Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, IllinoisChristopher Stewart's latest book, What Came After is a poetic walk through grief, memory, and mental illness from a child perspective to adult understanding. It peers at life through the stain of poverty in the Midwest. In discussion with the author is John McCarthy, whose 2019 book, Scared Violent like Horses, offers a complementary perspective on childhood masculinity […]
American Writers Festival
Harold Washington Library 400 S. State St., ChicagoAt the American Writers Festival, there’s more than just book talk. Get ready for fun, community-driven activities for visitors of all ages. There’s so much to explore, from book signings to arts & crafts to special photo ops and more! The American Writers Festival, co-presented by the American Writers Museum and Chicago Public Library, is an […]
A Celebration of AAPI Writers
Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, IllinoisJoin the Guild Complex, RHINO Poetry, Kundiman, and Luya Poetry for a celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander month with an evening of poetry readings from AAPI poets. ***We ask that all in-person attendees wear masks in the event space during the program for the health and well-being of the speaker and other guests. We will have a reception afterwards with […]
Who Loves the Sun | Chicago Book Launch and Celebration
Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, IllinoisJoin author Fulla Abdul-Jabbar in conversation with Mika Yamamoto for a celebration of her new book, Who Loves the Sun, with performances from Samara Huggins and Sonnenzimmer. Who Loves the Sun begins as a study of the scientific poster, in an attempt to understand the object and the people who make them. Eventually focus strays from this subject to explore how the […]
Exhibit B at Pilsen Community Books
Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesFulla Abudul-Jabbar, Ignatius Valentine Aloysius, Tamara Mattews and Nat Holtzmann will be joining Exhibit B at Pilsen Community Books for an evening of readings and community.
Slam Diáspora Encuentro Nacional 2024: Mayo/Primera Ronda
COMENZAMOS! Ciclo oficial de Slam Diaspora— 30 de Mayo, 8pm hora chicago ✨🔥✨ Registracion abierta a cualquier poeta de reside en territorio EEUU! http://bit.ly.com/mayoslam24 Slam Diaspora es un colectivo que busca unir a poetas de la diáspora latinoamericana con poetas en latinoamérica usando el slam como nuestro punto de encuentro. que viva la poesía viva!
Girl Work: Book Launch w/ Zefyr Lisowski
PilsenJoin us for the book launch of Girl Work (Noemi, 2024) with author Zefyr Lisowski, featuring performances from Kemi Alabi, Donna "Dante" Marie Gary, and Robin Reid Drake, hosted by Alanis Zoë Castillo Caref.
Transvengence: Pride Edition
Clash on Clark 4416 N. Clark St., Chicago, IllinoisJune 2024: Transvengence, Pride Month – Turn Up! Edition Featuring Jack and Lynzo the Heartthrob, with your host, Joss Barton. Open mic starts at 7:30pm. Learn more about Transvengence here. Lynzo The Heartthrob is a born & bred Chicagoan; an exotic dancer with a background in ballet, modern, and African dance teachings. Emceeing/producing Black LGBTQIA […]
A Map of My Want | Book Launch and Celebration with Faylita Hicks
Haymarket House 800 W. Buena Ave., Chicago, IllinoisA Map of My Want follows a nonbinary femme on their long walk home from a rural county jail as they contemplate how threesomes, quantum mechanics, beaches and nature hikes led them to an epic journey of sexual liberation.An offspring of Audre Lorde’s seminal essay “Uses of the Erotic,” Hicks’s A Map of My Want follows a nonbinary […]
Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Fuller Award: Patricia Smith
The Poetry Foundation 61 W Superior St, Chicago, United StatesCo-presented with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, American Writers Museum, and Guild Literary Complex, the ceremony will present Chicago poet Patricia Smith with the Fuller Award for her lifetime contributions to literature. Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young will lead a lineup of presenters that includes Nora Brooks Blakely, Reginald Gibbons, Poetry Out Loud National Champion Niveah Glover, Adrian Matejka, Marc Smith, and Jamila Woods. Lynne […]
Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem
La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United StatesPalabra Pura presents ONE POET, ONE POEM Join the Guild Literary Complex July 17th for our annual Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem @ La Bruquena! All poets are welcome to the stage to perform a poem, whether it be in English or Spanish, or both. See old friends and meet new ones, enjoy delicious […]
Self-Care as Resistance: Ekphrastic Poetry Reading @ Epiphany Center for the Arts
Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IllinoisCaring for ourselves helps us to be more present in the world. Becoming aware of those areas where we might need additional support and asking for help can be scary but, in the end, it is what makes us stronger. The Guild Complex presents five writers who words help tell their stories of finding strength while battling […]
Chicago House Music: Culture + Community
Co-Prosperity 3219 S Morgan St., Chicago, IllinoisReading and panel discussion with book author, Marguerite L. Harrold along with Khari B, Discopoet, Founder of The Debauchery Ball and veteran House music DJ Michael Ikechukwu Ezebuku. Including a special highlights viewing from the PBS documentary, House Music: A Cultural Revolution with Barbara Allen, Director and Producer Marguerite L. Harrold is a Poet, Writer, […]
Exhibit B: The Poets Platform
Co-Prosperity 3219 S Morgan St., Chicago, IllinoisExhibit B will be joined by artists using the Democratic Party platform as a prompt. We are proud to be part of DEMOCRAZY FEST going on from Aug 8-18th at Co-Prosperity with Lumpen Magazines! Ideally, community feedback would directly impact policy. In this moment where many folks feel either entirely removed from the political process […]
Ananda Lima & Daniel Borzutzky In Conversation
Pilsen Community Books 1102 W 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesA special conversation and reading with award-winning authors Ananda Lima and Daniel Borzutzky about their latest releases, moderated by poet Alex Wells Shapiro.
Transvengence | September 2024
Clash on Clark 4416 N. Clark St., Chicago, IllinoisSeptember's Transvengence features Aza Greenlee with your host, Joss Barton. Doors open and open mic sign-up begins at 7pm. Aza Greenlee is a body artist and co-conspirator at No Nation Tangential Unspace Art Lab. This coalescence is one to galavant in dreamscapes, ancestral juke joints, chaturbate masturbation web temples, loose-tooth tanks, and The Heartspace. They […]
Printers Row Lit Fest: Exhibit B
Printers Row Lit Festival Dearborn and Polk Streets, Chicago, United StatesChristian Aldana, Lindsay Hunter, Jessica Nirvana Ram, and Dan "Sully" Sullivan join Exhibit B for a special reading at the Midwest's largest literary festival, Printers' Row Lit Festival! Printers Row Lit Fest is a free event on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street in Chicago, IL. The literary festival […]
Printers Row Lit Fest | Annie Allen — Now: A Conversation
Printers Row Lit Festival Dearborn and Polk Streets, Chicago, United StatesAs its 75th anniversary approaches, Nora Brooks Blakely (Brooks Permissions) and Reginald Gibbons (Northwestern University) discuss the modern relevance and contemporary ideas from Gwendolyn Brooks' Pulitzer Prize-wining book Annie Allen. Program moderated by Adrian Matejka, Editor of Poetry magazine. Printers Row Lit Fest is a free event on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida […]
Slam Diáspora En Vivo
18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United States6:30-- Doors open/Sign Up7:00-- Slam Starts8:30-- Open Mic9:00-- ¡ADIOS! ¡Abierto a poetas de todos estilos y edades!Desde quien apenas esta empezando a escribir, a quienes llevan décadas escribiendo-- todos están bienvenidos a participar.Sólo necesitas dos poemas (en español/spanglish) para el Slam o un poema/canción/relato etc en cualquier idioma para el Open Mic.Se puede registrar en […]
A Performance Happening 3 @ Alma Art & Interiors
ALMA Art and Interiors 3636 S Iron St, Chicago, United StatesJoin us for a special night of artistic brilliance with "A PERFORMANCE HAPPENING " at ALMA Art and Interiors. We are thrilled to host this event, bringing together an all-star lineup of dancers and musicians, surrounded by stunning visual art. About the Event Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you immerse yourself in a vibrant […]
CLHoF Fuller Award: Alex Kotlowitz
Chopin Theatre 1543 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United StatesRegistration is now open. On September 24, Alex Kotlowitz will become the 17th recipient of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s Fuller Award for his lifetime achievements. The ceremony will be free and open to the public, with a reception to follow. Ben Austen will lead a speaking lineup that includes Stuart Dybek, Julie Justicz, Meribah Knight, and Mary Rowland. The Chopin Theatre ceremony will highlight Kotlowitz's lasting […]
ECOS Pop-up Gallery Readings with Guild Literary Complex
National Museum of Mexican Art 1852 W 19th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesThis event is part of ECOS: A Chicago Latine Poetry Festival, which celebrates Chicago's relationship with and influence on Latine poetry. Sponsored by the Poetry Foundation, the festival features free, bilingual Spanish and English programming. Sometimes a poem is the perfect accompaniment to visual art! Join poets from the Guild Literary Complex as they recite […]
GBOMA 30th Anniversary Celebration
Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IllinoisThe Guild Complex will celebrate thirty years of the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA), with performances from past winners along with a special celebration of the 75th anniversary of Gwendolyn Brooks' Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Annie Allen, at the Chicago History Museum in the Robert McCormick Auditorium. Reception at 6:00pm and 7:00pm event start. This […]
Luis J. Rodriguez Book Release
18th Street Casa de Cultura 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois, United StatesLuís J. Rodriguez will be reading from his newest bilingual collection, Todos los caminos llevan a casa (All Roads Lead Home). Also present will be Alfonso Vazquez, Founder of Chicanz sin Fronteras, who published Luis' book. The night will be moderated by Luis Tubens and will include music by Jarochicanos & Friends, commentary from Jackie […]
Slam Diáspora (LIVE)
La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United StatesOpen Mic + Featuring Eduardo Arocho More details to come
The Record Track: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony + Community Jam
The Record Track 2804 E 87th Street, Chicago, Illinois, United StatesCome celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Record Track, an immersive retail store & live-music venue offering immersive, hands-on music experiences for all! Don't miss out on this exciting event and become part of The Record Track community! Donate Your Used (but working) Instruments!Help us provide hands-on musical experiences for others. We are currently accepting […]