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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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; […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
“…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, […]
“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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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! […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]