Guild Literary Complex

Palabra Pura: “The Diaspora Daughters Speak”

La Bruquena restaurant 2726 W. Division, 2nd floor

Afro-Latino(a)s/Caribbeans are challenged to reconcile what are seen as conflicting identities. The Guild Literary Complex sheds poetic light on the topic with “The Diaspora Daughters Speak,” the July installment of our monthly bilingual poetry series Palabra Pura, curated by Sandra Posados and featuring poets Yolanda Nieves and Maya Emma Nnena Ruth Odim (Maya Odim). “The […]

FREE

Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards

Chopin Theater 1543 W Division

Guild Literary Complex is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards. Join us Tuesday July 23, 2013, 7:00 pm, at the Chopin Theater, 1542 W Division Street, for a live voting event and award ceremony. Preliminary judges, Gwendolyn A. Mitchell and Noël Jones have narrowed the submissions down to just 20 […]

Poetry Performance Incubator Auditions

Free Street Theatre 1419 W. Blackhawk St, Chicago, IL, United States

The Poetry Performance Incubator is seeking poets and other writers to collaborate on the creation of a workshop production of Like Bread, a new theatrical performance about making space for a creative life. We are particularly interested in working with poets from a broad range of aesthetics, backgrounds, ages, and Chicago communities. Inspired by the Roque Dalton poem “Like You,” […]

Applied Words: Broken Windows

Polish Triangle Chicago

If urban design is the language of the city, where is the story – and who tells it? In Applied Words: on Architecture and the Urban Plan, the Guild Literary Complex invites writers to examine our relationships with the built environment. “Broken Windows,” the first reading in a series of three to continue from now […]

FREE

Palabra Pura: Inspiration

La Bruquena restaurant 2726 W. Division, 2nd floor

Poets meet muse at the September installment of our monthly bilingual poetry series, Palabra Pura, curated by Irasema Gonzalez and featuring poets Diana Pando and Xánath Caraza. “Inspiration” takes place Wednesday, September 18, 2013, at 7:30 PM at La Bruquena restaurant, 2726 W. Division. The program will be spoken in English and Spanish. Admission is […]

FREE

Poetry: Work Is Love Made Visible

Jak's Tap 901 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL, United States

Work Is Love Made Visible will feature visiting poet Jeanetta Calhoun Mish and include Chicago authors Quaraysh Ali Lansana and Eduardo Arocho for an evening of working class poetry and observations. Bring your poetry on the theme to share in the open mic that starts the event! About the authors: Jeanetta Calhoun Mish is a […]

Free

Poetry: What’s Class Got To Do With It??!!

Lunt Lake Co-op Apartments (Community Room) 1138 W Lunt, Chicago, IL, United States

A reading on the theme of “working class poetry,” this is a program of Occupy Rogers Park Chicago and is co-sponsored by Guild Complex and Chicago Consortium For Working-Class Studies. Featured readers include poet and scholar Jeanetta Calhoun Mish and poet Adam Gottlieb. An open mic begins the program, so bring your own poetry related […]

Free

Applied Words: Re-Built: Writers on Architecture and the Urban Plan

The Original Sears Tower 930 S. Homan Ave.

If urban design is the language of the city, where is the story – and who tells it? In "Re-Built: Writers on Architecture and the Urban Plan" the Guild Literary Complex presents Chicago authors examining human-scale relationships with the built environment, the history of Homan Square, and what comes next. This reading is part of […]

2013 Prose Awards

Chopin Theater 1543 W Division

Every fall we recognize outstanding short fiction and non-fiction from across the State of Illinois and award $250 cash prizes to one outstanding writer in each category. Please join us on October 23, 7:30 pm, at the Chopin Theater, located at 1543 W. Division Street, as we celebrate the authors at a special reading and […]

$5 – $7

Palabra Pura: Letras Latinas

The Poetry Foundation 61 W Superior St, Chicago, United States

We very pleased to be partnering with Poetry Foundation and Red Hen Press for this month's Palabra Pura. Celebrate the inaugural winner and judge of the Letras Latinas/Red Hen Poetry Prize. Judge Orlando Ricardo Menes directs the creative writing program at the University of Notre Dame. His third full-length collection, Fetish, won the 2012 Prairie […]

FREE

Poetry Performance Incubator: Like Bread

Free Street Theater 1419 W Blackhawk St

Join us for an in-progress performance of the brand new Poetry Performance Incubator production, Like Bread. Inspired by the Roque Dalton poem “Like You,” Like Bread will explore the relationship between writing and social struggles, the way that writing can transform a life, and how challenging (but joyful) it can be to claim oneself “a writer.” We are […]

Poetry Performance Incubator: Like Bread

Free Street Theater 1419 W Blackhawk St

Join us for an in-progress performance of the brand new Poetry Performance Incubator production, Like Bread. Inspired by the Roque Dalton poem “Like You,” Like Bread will explore the relationship between writing and social struggles, the way that writing can transform a life, and how challenging (but joyful) it can be to claim oneself “a writer.” We are so […]

TONIC: a soulful celebration

Vincent Restaurant 1475 W Balmoral , Chicago

You are cordially invited to TONIC: a soulful celebration! It's been a year of recognition and achievement for the Guild, from inaugurating Brooksday to receiving a major MacArthur Foundation grant. We plan to celebrate with a night of music, libations, and the best company: YOU. It will be a TONIC, something good for the soul, […]

$25 – $50

Palabra Pura: El Amor

La Bruquena restaurant 2726 W. Division, 2nd floor

Our monthly bilingual poetry night returns to its usual destination: the always-fabulous La Bruquena! Join us for this final Palabra Pura of the year as multimedia artist Miquel Lopez Lemus presents a cantologia on love. Twenty-seven (!) Palabra Pura poets contributed a new poem on the theme for this published collection, and many will be on hand to […]

FREE

Chicago Book Expo

St. Augustine College 1345 W. Argyle

The Guild will have a table at the Chicago Book Expo on Sunday, November 24 from 11am-5pm. The Chicago Book Expo has "Chicago’s best independent publishers and authors selling books, plus free author readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, and bilingual/Spanish programs" available to the public for free! Visit our booth, and enjoy the opportunity to […]

FREE

Poetry off the Shelf: Eduardo C. Corral, Carmen Giménez-Smith, Sheryl Luna and Deborah Paredez

Poetry Foundation 61 West Superior Street

We are very pleased to be partnering with the Poetry Foundation for a special Poetry off the Shelf. Inspired by Cave Canem and Kundiman, CantoMundo is a national collective for Latina/o poets. Carmen Giménez-Smith is the author of four poetry collections—Milk and Filth, Goodbye, Flicker, The City She Was, and Odalisque in Pieces. Sheryl Luna received […]

FREE

An evening with M. Evelina Galang (wsg Angela Narciso Torres)

Women & Children First bookstore 5233 N. Clark Street, Chicago

Angel de la Luna and the 5th Glorious Mystery M. Evelina Galang will read from her new young adult novel, Angel de la Luna and the 5th Glorious Mystery at Women & Children First on Wednesday, January 8th at 7:30 p.m. in an event co-presented by Guild Literary Complex and Coffee House Press. The novel […]

Free

PALABRA PURA: “ONE POET / ONE POEM”

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago

The Guild Literary Complex is pleased to kick off the ninth season of PALABRA PURA with “One Poet / One Poem”. 2014 guest curators reveal their plans and past readers share a poem during this annual party celebrating poetry (and fiction) in more than one tongue. Contributing authors include: Rey Andújar  |  Beatriz Badikian  |  […]

Free

Applied Words: Notes from the Mainframe

FreeGeek Chicago 3411 W Diversey Ave, Chicago

In the 21st century, we live inside technology like never before. For Applied Words “Notes from the Mainframe,” the Guild Literary Complex invites writers employed in technology to read their work and discuss the poetics of art and science. “Notes from the Mainframe” will include readings by Catherine Halley (Director of Digital Programs, Poetry Foundation), […]

Free

Interdisciplinary Workshop: Dramaturgy of the Body with Rey Andújar

City Lit Books 2523 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago

Rey Andújar, photo by Ariana Drule For Rey Andújar movement, theatre, and writing are inextricably linked. Each facet of his art hinges on the others. In this workshop he will explain his process, discuss his influences, and present his muses. Writers, actors, and dancers alike will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind peek into this […]

Free

Palabra Pura: Greater Than The Sum Of Parts

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

"As Latin@s born and bred in the U.S., our sense of identity, culture, mother tongue and family are often complicated and contradictory. We are not a uniform group and sometimes don’t play well with others – even with our own gente. Yet on our life’s journey, aided by our writing, we find the integrity as […]

Free

An evening with Mario Bellatin: book party for Flowers / The Illustrated Biography of Mishima

Chicago Urban Art Society 600 W. Cermak Rd. Unit 1B, Chicago

7Vientos (7V), an independent publishing house located in Chicago, is releasing two novellas by Mario Bellatin, one of the greatest writers of contemporary Latin American literature. He has published over forty books and his work has been translated into fifteen different languages. The book now published by 7V is a hardcover “flip” edition housing Bellatin’s […]

Free

Applied Words: It Gets Better

Schubas Tavern 3159 N Southport, Chicago, IL, United States

pictured left to right: Precious, Jill Howe, Tamale (curator/host), Greg Ledger, Lily Be "It Gets Better" is curated and hosted by the fabulous Tamale and features great comic voices responding to the themes of history, mythology, gender, and high school. This reading is co-sponsored by About Face Theatre and is presented in connection to their […]

Free

Reading, Conversation, and Book Signing: Cristina García

Harold Washington Library 400 S. State St., Chicago

READING, CONVERSATION, AND BOOK SIGNING: CRISTINA GARCIA, author of King of Cuba Tuesday, March 18, 6:00 p.m. Harold Washington Library Cindy Pritzker Auditorium 400 South State Street FREE As a part of Story Week 2014, the Guild has collaborated with Columbia College to bring you an evening with renowned author Cristina García . Cristina García is the […]

Free

Panel: Translation Matters

Humboldt Park Field House 1440 N Humboldt Drive, Chicago

PANEL: TRANSLATION MATTERS Wednesday, March 19, 5:00 p.m. Humboldt Park Fieldhouse 1400 N. Sacramento (North of Division) FREE Produced in partnership with Story Week and presented in special collaboration with Chicago Park District. During this panel, celebrated authors and translators will discuss the crucial role literature plays in increasing global understanding, the need to teach literature in translation, and […]

Meet-and-Greet

PALABRA PURA: Meet & Greet Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 p.m. Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, 1400 N. Humboldt Dr.  (North of Division) Meet the panelists from Translation Matters and talk to the authors reading during Noche de novelas / Night of Novels during this social hour. Light refreshments will be provided. Books by the authors will be […]

Palabra Pura: Noche de novelas II / Night of Novels II (Story Week edition)

Humboldt Park Field House 1440 N Humboldt Drive, Chicago

Noche de novelas II— Story Week Edition Wednesday, March 19, 7:00 p.m. Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, 1400 N. Humboldt Dr.  (North of Division) Hosted by Juana Iris Goergen with readings by Raúl Dorantes and Fernando Olszanski, and featuring Valeria Luiselli—as a part of Story Week 2014 with Columbia College's Creative Creative Writing Department. In this month's Palabra Pura, […]

Free

Literary Rock & Roll: a life tribute to David Hernandez

Metro 3730 N Clark St, Chicago

David Hernandez in rehearsal. (Photo by Tanya Tucka) The Guild Literary Complex and Columbia College Creative Writing Department are pleased to celebrate the life of David Hernandez in this one-of-a-kind event in conjunction with Story Week 2014: “Street Sounds take music, lyrics and song a stimulating step further.” – Chicago Sun Times Chicago’s “unofficial Poet Laureate,” […]

Free

Gwendolyn Brooks Community Reading

Chicago Public Library—George Cleveland Hall Branch 4801 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, United States

From Our Neighborhoods: Four Chicago Writers Who Changed America showcases four great Chicago authors whose neighborhoods were both the inspiration and subject of their work. Read aloud your favorite Gwendolyn Brooks poem on Tuesday, March 25, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The American Writers Museum in partnership with Guild Literary Complex hosts a Gwendolyn Brooks Community Reading. Bring your […]

Applied Words: Unseen Worlds

Schubas Tavern

Schubas Tavern 3159 N. Southport Ave. From left to right: Paul Gorski, Joe Austin II, PhD, Stephanie Levi (Curator), Anne Yoder, Vojislav Pejović. FROM THE CURATOR, STEPHANIE LEVI, PhD: I am delighted to be curating this month’s Applied Words series. The theme of Unseen Worlds stemmed from my experience as a microscopist originally. When I […]

Free

Gwendolyn Brooks Community Reading

Woodson Library 9525 South Halsted

Saturday, April 12, 2:00 p.m. Woodson Regional Library (Auditorium), 9525 South Halsted   In conjunction with Brooksday—the Guild's annual tribute to author Gwendolyn Brooks—we're pleased to present the Gwendolyn Brooks Community Reading series in collaboration with the American Writers Museum and their traveling exhibition From Our Neighborhoods: Four Chicago Writers Who Changed America. Read aloud your favorite Gwendolyn […]

Palabra Pura, curated by Eduardo Arocho

Wednesday, April 16 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. La Bruquena, upstairs 2726 W. Division St. From left to right: Laurie Ann Guerrero, Eduardo Arocho (curator), Rich Villar. First Class: Celebrating the first full-collections of poetry by two emerging Latino Poets: Rich Villar, author of Comprehending Forever, and Laurie Ann Guerrero, author of A Tongue in the Mouth of the […]

Safe, But Not Silent: How ICORN helps persecuted writers

Chicago Temple Building– Pierce Hall 77 W Washington Street, Chicago, United States

Wednesday, April 23 6:00 p.m. Chicago Temple Building, Pierce Hall Helge Lunde 77 W Washington Street FREE Safe, But Not Silent: How ICORN helps persecuted writers A public talk by Helge Lunde, Executive Director of the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) Held in conjunction with the Guild's Voices of Protest event. RSVP for tickets […]

Free

Applied Words: Voices of Protest

Facets Multi-Media 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Select a Country:

Friday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. Facets Multimedia 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. (Note: The same program takes place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.)   Al-Sheikh, Maarouf Voices of Protest, April 25 & 26, draws attention to the plight of exiled authors and celebrates a global literature. The Guild will host Manal Al-Sheikh (Iraq) and Mazen […]

Applied Words: Voices of Protest

Facets Multi-Media 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Select a Country:

Saturday, April 26, 8:00 p.m. Facets Multimedia 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. (Note: The same program takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25.) Al-Sheikh, Maarouf Voices of Protest, April 25 & 26, draws attention to the plight of exiled authors and celebrates a global literature. The Guild will host Manal Al-Sheikh (Iraq) and Mazen Maarouf (Palestine), two poets currently […]

Breaking the Bread Divide: A Live GuildCast on Food Justice

Logan Arts Center 915 E 60th St, Chicago, IL, United States

Left to right: Robert Nevel, Dave Snyder, Angela + Sam Taylor The sustainable food movement has rejuvenated holistic thinking on agriculture, food production, and consumption. But lost in the movement is how to bring wholesome, quality food to all and not to just those that can afford it. In a live version of GuildCast, a […]

Free

REVEAL 25 – The Guild’s 25th Anniversary Party and Benefit

Victory Gardens Biograph Theater 2433 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

25 Writers to Watch REVEAL 25 is the Guild's 25th anniversary party, an opportunity to celebrate 25 years of mission-driven accomplishments in Chicago's vast literary community. It is a jubilant celebration of the past, and also a chance to look ahead to the future. Past and present directors, including founding director Michael Warr, will be announcing […]

Palabra Pura: Two poetic voices of the new Latin American territory

La Bruquena restaurant (upstairs) 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Our monthly bilingual reading series is curated in May by Febronio Zatarain and features Emmanuel Ayala and Miguel Marzana. About the Artists "I write because it is a privilege I have earned. Ever since I was 12 years old I read poetry and loved it. One day I embraced the pen and spilled ink on […]

Brooksday 2014

For the second year, the Guild Literary Complex’s will present its signature event, Brooksday 2014—a marathon reading that celebrates the life and work of renowned Chicago poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Taking place at the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest on Saturday, June 7—Brooks’ birthday—from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. at the Guild’s tent (located on the corner […]

Readings at Printers Row Lit Fest

Printers Row Lit Festival Dearborn and Polk Streets, Chicago, United States

The Guild will be presenting hour-long readings by seven prominent Chicago literary organizations throughout the day at Printers Row Lit Festival. You can find our tent at the corner of Dearborn and Polk Streets. Schedule 10 a.m. Chicago Latino Writers Initiative: Ericka McCarthy Sanchez, Adriana Galvan, Awilda Rodriguez, Diana Pando, Jen Vera, Veronica Vidal, Jazmin Corona, Stephanie Diaz Reppen  The Chicago Latino Writers […]

Applied Words: Black Vernacular

Arts Incubator 301 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL, United States

Black Vernacular: a comedic literary look at a language that's all American Join the Guild Literary Complex and the University of Chicago's Arts Incubator as Randall Horton, Adam Moshe Levin, and Toni Asante Lightfoot perform and read work demonstrating the sticky wicket of Black Vernacular. Short video performances by Holly Bass and others will be included. About the […]

Palabra Pura, Curated by Diana Pando

La Bruquena restaurant (upstairs) 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Discover two emerging Chicago poets whose palabras unearth a rich excavation of their Mexican roots. Pulling from these raices they explore gender, geography, and guns that eventually collide onto the page to create border-crossing poetry that migrates between Chicago and Guanajuato, Mexico. About the Artists Jennifer Patiño was born on the Southwest Side of Chicago […]

Palabra Pura at Printers Ball!

Spudnik Press 1821 West Hubbard St, Chicago, United States

The Guild Literary Complex is joining dozens of other presenters for the Tenth Annual Printers Ball, taking place on June 28. This year, the Guild will be presenting a flashmob-style Palabra Pura, featuring Cyn Vargas Eduardo Arocho Mike "Open Mike" Puican These poets will read around 5:30 p.m., but we encourage you to come early […]

Equanimity: Writing and Exile

Victory Gardens Biograph Theater 2433 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

Presented by Victory Gardens Moderated by John Rich, Executive Director of the Guild Literary Complex Being forced to leave one’s homeland can leave one with a sense of loss, trauma, and confusion. But for many writers, exile and political writing can also be a source of creativity and a way to reconnect with a life […]

Palabra Pura: Lost and Found

La Bruquena restaurant (upstairs) 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Lost & Found: Letters, Poems, and Marginalia of Cross Cultural Experience This evening, Palabra Pura will travel to Mexico City, Korea, and Haiti via our writers to explore the Cross Cultural Experiences of a Dancer, an Educator, and a Poet. Curated by Maribel Mares. About the Artists   Darren Angle is a poet living in Chicago. […]

Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Reading & Award

Chopin Theater 1543 W Division

Writers across Illinois submitted their poems to the Guild for the 21st Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award between June 7 and June 30, 2014. 20 of those poems were selected to be presented on July 23, where each author will read their poem to an audience who will then vote on the winner of […]

$8

The Guild Goes Dark

We'll be taking some time away to regroup through the month of August after a fruitful spring and summer. Keep an eye out for our Fall Preview, which will contain information on programming and events for the fall 2014!

Book Release [&DANCE!] Party: Quraysh Ali Lansana and Christopher Stewart

Logan Arts Center 915 E 60th St, Chicago, IL, United States

Happy birthday, Quraysh! And, happy book release to Quraysh Ali Lansana and Christopher Stewart, whose newest book, The Walmart Republic, will be launched this fall. To celebrate in style (as the Guild always does), we will be hosting a birthday and book launch on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the University of Chicago's Reva and […]

Dispatches from Kapittel

The Guild is sending six Chicago writers to the Kapittel International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech in Stavenger, Norway as a part of our ongoing work with writers living in exile and advocating for freedom of speech. Our six attendees are blogging on their experiences at GuildDispatches.tumblr.com. About the Attendees: Adam Gottlieb is a […]

Palabra Pura: Calling Home

Poetry Foundation 61 West Superior Street

Our monthly bilingual reading series in September features Ana Castillo and Paul Martinez Pompa and is curated by Cristina Correa. The event is hosted and co-presented by the Poetry Foundation. States Correa, "Across generations, Latino writers and their constellation of experiences and creative identities have found a home in Chicago. For many, home is a constant migration […]

I Come To Your Country, Name Me: Asian/American Author Reading Series

SAIC, LeRoy Neiman Center 37 S Wabash Ave, 1st floor, Chicago, United States

The Guild and the Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago will present three Asian authors on Wednesday, September 24. In conjunction with the University of Illinois–Chicago's Kriti Festival—a celebration of South Asian and Asian Diaspora Arts and Literature in Chicago—we present Rachel DeWoskin, Mary Anne […]

Palabra Pura: Want

La Bruquena restaurant (upstairs) 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Curated by Cyn Vargas, the theme of this month's Palabra Pura is Want. Cyn writes, "Want. It could be a person, thing, words we long to hear, a new place. Want is at the core of what we do and say. It drives us or it stuns us. The stories this night will be about […]

Annual Prose Awards Reading and Recognition Event

Chopin Theatre 1543 West Division Street, Chicago, United States

UPDATED: ANNOUNCING THE 2014 PROSE AWARD WINNERS! Kate Duva, winner of the 2014 Prose Award in Fiction Elora de Grey, winner of the 2014 Prose Award in Non-Fiction The Guild Literary Complex supports divergent and emerging literary voices with our Annual Prose Awards. Every fall we recognize outstanding short fiction and non-fiction from across the […]

$8

Colm Tóibín’s Transatlantic Literary Worlds

Northwestern University School of Law, Thorne Auditorium 375 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago , United States

The Guild Literary Complex is proud and excited to partner with the 2014 Chicago Humanities Festival to present Colm Tóibín's Transatlantic Literary Worlds, a live interview with the award-winning author conducted by the Guild's Director, John Rich. This special program also marks the celebration of two 25-year anniversaries, both for the Guild Literary Complex and the […]

$12

TONIC

Beauty Bar 1444 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

The Guild’s “good for you” year-end party has returned! This year, after much celebration of our 25th anniversary, we look forward to the future. We plan to celebrate with music, libation, and the best company in Chicago: YOU. Also, a very special guest will be joining us: Marcel Proust. Best known for his recollections of […]

$30

Palabra Pura: From the Margins of the Margins

La Bruquena restaurant (upstairs) 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

In response to the hangover from colonialism still lingering in the United States, a new literary space has been carved out where historically marginalized bodies, narratives and histories finally have their say; it has been named “Latino/a literature”. What happens, though, when some of the loudest voices inhabiting that space reproduce the very conditions they […]

Winter Break!

The Guild will be dark for the month of December. We'll be announcing 2015 programming soon...See you next year!

Palabra Pura: One Poet One Poem (Stories too!) 10 year anniversary kickoff party!

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

The Guild Literary Complex is pleased to kick off the 10th season of PALABRA PURA with “One Poet / One Poem”. Don't let the name fool you—there will be fiction stories too!2015 guest curators reveal their plans and past readers share a poem (or short story) during this annual party celebrating poetry and fiction in […]

Palabra Pura: Urban Realities/Realidades urbanas

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Chicago is a complicated place, a city where senseless acts of violence and random acts of kindness happen every day, where some can dare to dream and others dream of escaping their nightmares. Luis Tubens and young poets from Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School will lead us in an exploration of the urban realities […]

Uncharted: a “25 Writers to Watch” kick-off

Schubas Tavern 3159 N Southport, Chicago, IL, United States

As part of the Guild's 25th anniversary last year, we highlighted 25 Chicago area Writers to Watch. This year, we program all of them—starting now! "Uncharted" features readings by Eric Charles May, Coya Paz, Roger Reeves, and Kathleen Rooney. The theme is an open field for the imagination, but expect to hear stories about adventure, […]

Voices of Protest: Home Edition

826CHI 1276 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

In September 2014, the Guild Literary Complex sent five Chicago writers to the 2014 Kapittel International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech in Stavanger, Norway. NOW, for the first time since their return, the authors will give a special reading of creative work inspired by the trip and lead a community dialogue on free […]

Palabra Pura: A Toda Madre, Men Pay Tribute to Their Mothers

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Sharing California roots, a love of poetry, and a feminist devotion to their mothers, Tijuana native Brian Martin and L.A. native Arturo “Tootie” Alvarez blend English and Spanish to pay homage to their mothers. From a mother’s reminder to always use condoms to her struggle to raise her family on her own to the demoralizing beauty […]

Applied Words: A Dose of Mind and Body

International Museum of Surgical Science 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, United States

For this Applied Words event, we ask our featured artists to give us a dose of health-connected stories of the body and/or mind. Tonight's line-up includes two "Writers to Watch," Rey Andújar and Megan Stielstra, along with special guests Andrew Huff and Samantha Irby. And to make the program more body related, we have partnered […]

Poetry Reading: Saint Teresa of Jesús, The Birth of a Writer and a Poet

Instituto Cervantes 31 West Ohio Street, Chicago, IL, United States

Saint Teresa of Jesús held a special, privileged place for books during her life. Not only did she consider books important for her work as a writer, but also as a reader. Saint Teresa mainly wrote prose and her most popular poems are those that reflect her mysticism. In this special event, Instituto Cervantes, contratiempo, […]

The Alphabet of Distant Harbours

The Chicago Cultural Center 78 E Washington St.

The Guild Complex continues a new reading platform to foreground Asian / American authors and themes. Curated by Dipika Mukherjee, this spring's program—The Alphabet of Distant Harbours—features Toni Nealie, Zhou Sivan, and Angela Narciso Torres. “The Alphabet of Distant Harbours'” will bring together writers who explore the suppression as well as expression of identity in […]

Palabra Pura: Borderless Bodies

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

This month's Palabra Pura is curated by Daniel Borzutzky, who believes that this month's performers, Duriel E. Harris and Rodrigo Toscano, are two of our present moment's most innovative, most dynamic and powerful and surprising poets and performers. "For these two artists, no distinction can be made between their poetics and their performativity. They write […]

The Wall of Respect and People’s Art Since 1967 Symposium Opening

Art Institute of Chicago, Modern Wing 159 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL, United States

The Guild Literary Complex joins the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and other partners in a symposium launch event tonight to honor and discuss the legacy of the Wall of Respect. The Wall of Respect and People’s Art Since 1967 is a symposium (April 17-18) that launches a two-year critical conversation on the […]

Applied Words: On Belonging

Schubas Tavern 3159 N Southport, Chicago, IL, United States

In a city—let alone a world—of vast geographies, identities, experience and more, how do we understand our place? Using personal stories, our guest authors will navigate the territory of belonging in a special Applied Words program that highlights two of the Guild's 25 Writers to Watch, Rebecca Kling and Sahar Mustafah, and includes José Ángel […]

$5

Wink and Whisper: the Guild’s 2015 benefit party

Uptown Underground 4707 N Broadway, Chicago, IL, United States

Click here to buy tickets! The Guild Complex is re-imagining the 1920s through music, song, comedy, and dance in our sixth annual benefit, Wink & Whisper: A 1920s LGBT Cabaret. Emceed by Tamale Sepp, this year’s benefit will celebrate the vibrant spirit and culture of a 1920s LGBT community with a fusion of talented performers, […]

Palabra Pura: Inner Landscape Queens

Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center 4048 West Armitage, Chicago, United States

Please note this month's Palabra Pura is taking place at a special location: the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (4048 W Armitage Ave). Three fearless and unique feminine voices with Chicago roots come together for an evening of poetic expressions. Inner and outside landscapes, light, sounds and ultimately, words transmit each artist’s expressions. Arica Hilton, […]

$5

Reverend Billy and The Stop Shopping Choir

Preston Bradley Center 941 West Lawrence, Chicago, IL, United States

  Tickets available at door (advance sales have ended). Reverend Billy & The Stop Shopping Choir is a radical performance community based in New York City, and they are coming to Chicago to march, sing, and activate our community with a special live performance—ONE NIGHT ONLY. Tickets at door are suggested donation of $12 for […]

$12

BrooksDay 2015 – By Any Art Necessary

Logan Arts Center 915 E 60th St, Chicago, IL, United States

June 7, 2015 marks the Third Annual BrooksDay and promises to be an exciting continuation of The Guild Literary Complex’s signature event with nonstop readings and performances this year in a new location: the stunning Reva and David Logan Arts Center located on the University of Chicago’s Campus, 915 East 60th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637. […]

Luis Rodriguez reading

Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center 4048 West Armitage, Chicago, United States

Founder of Tia Chucha Press and L.A. Poet Laureate Luis Rodriguez returns to Chicago for a special reading event sponsored by Poets & Writers, Inc.     This program takes place at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center located at 4048 W. Armitage. There will be an open mic! Arrive early to sign up. Admission […]

$5

Palabra Pura: Does English Matter

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Performers Adam Gottlieb and Angelina Llongueras use their original music, poetry and experience as activists, here and in Spain, to pursue the question: Does English matter? For English expression in Latino/a cultural and political communities, when does the implied "Spanish Only" remain empowering, and when does the English-dominant Latino/a activist need to transgress? This month's […]

$5

Palabra Pura: Latinidad-Who are we? Latino Poets on Identity

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

For featured authors Diego Báez and Amy Sayre Baptista, violence inhabits their lives and what they write about. This is a violence that divides our culture and us; this is a colonization of our identity as a man, as a woman, and as a Latina/o. What does it mean to be Latina/o? These poets sing […]

$5

22nd Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards Program

Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts 915 E 60th, Chicago, IL, United States

Update: Congratulations to the winner, Javon J. Smith! After the first four rounds, the finalists were chosen by the live audience—no easy task—and included Aja Zakiya Hall, Cassandra McGovern, Javon J. Smith, and Sam Herschel Wein. Javon won with his dynamic performance of the poem "Nig(g)ot." Javon J. Smith, an educator at Perspectives/IIT Math & […]

$8

The Guild Goes Dark in August

It's our annual summer programming break! We’ll be taking some time away to regroup through the month of August. Keep an eye out for our Fall Preview, which will contain information on programming and events for September-November 2015!

Palabra Pura: Who Stands With Us

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

According to this month's curator, Emilio Maldonado, challenging each other and the status quo is the responsibility of the committed artist, and he has programmed author/activists Aricka Foreman, Christina Obregon, and Raina Wodatch, and to engage the theme Who stands with us? "During this current wave of open aggression and hostility it is important to […]

$5

100,000 Poets for Change

Outer Space Studio 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

Experiment #89: Fight the Power SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th7pm / doors lock 7:30pm A special event with 100 Thousand Poets for Changehttp://www.100tpcmedia.org On September 26, 2015, many poets around the world will make their voices heard. To declare the change they'd like to see most in the U.S. and throughout the international community, events are being staged worldwide as […]

$4

The Lonely (a Writers to Watch reading)

Schubas Tavern 3159 N Southport, Chicago, IL, United States

This reading  draws inspiration from the work of the featured writers, each of them exploring themes of loneliness, longing, and love. There is desire, and there is dread. There is even decency. Using personal stories, fiction, and fairy tales, authors Keith Ecker, Jac Jamc and Cecilia Pinto—three of the Guild’s 25 Writers to Watch—will navigate […]

$5

Palabra Pura: Curated by Cynthia Pelayo

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

More information on October's Palabra Pura will be available late summer 2015.

$5

PALABRA PURA: MEMORY AND GHOSTS

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

    Curated by Cynthia Pelayo October 21 @ 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM $5 | La Bruquena Restaurant, 2726 W. Division in Humboldt Park This month’s curator, Cynthia Pelayo, provides the Guild Literary Complex with our October theme of Memory and Ghosts, featuring readings by Diana Pando, Adriana Galvan. Pelayo explains the theme this way: “historically, autumn has […]

$5

Auction: Reginald Gibbons’ Library of First Edition Books

SAVE THE DATE: Reginald Gibbons' Library of First Editions Book Auction Available Starting November 4th Reginald Gibbons is a poet, fiction writer, translator, educator, critic, the former editor of  TriQuarterly magazine and National Book Award finalist. Over the years, Reginald has acquired first editions through his many friendships and literary acquaintances. His collection of first edition, many of them signed, will […]

Annual Prose Awards

Chopin Theater 1543 W Division

Annual Prose Awards Event November 12, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Chopin Theater   Every fall, the Guild Literary Complex acknowledges emerging and established prose writers via a judged competition and recognition event at the historic Chopin Theatre in Chicago. Three semi-finalists in both fiction and non-fiction will read their work at our annual Prose Awards […]

$8

PALABRA PURA: NOSSA AMÉRICA

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

PALABRA PURA: NOSSA AMÉRICA NOVEMBER 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm | $5 La Bruquena Restaurant, 2726 W. Division in Humboldt Park   The last Palabra Pura for 2015 features the theme “Nossa América,” with readings by Rodrigo Garcia Lopes, Jack Martínez and AKaiser.  November’s curator Patricia Anzini quotes American poet Walt Whitman as […]

$5

Palabra Pura 2016 Season Kick Off ~ One Poet / One Poem Returns

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

  The Guild Literary Complex is pleased to kick off the 11th season of PALABRA PURA returning with “One Poet / One Poem”.  Come join in the fun 11 years in the making. This year's season will feature 2016 Guest Palabra Pura curators and past readers some telling of plans for the year ahead and others […]

Palabra Pura March 16, 2016

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Palabra Pura March 16, 2016 7:30 - 9:00 pm “Turnt in Relevant Opacity” Curated by Ricardo Gamboa Current events ranging from cover-ups of police shootings and growing social inequalities further underline just how dark or “opaque” times have become for some of us in this city. These injustices are exasperated when it comes to mainstream […]

RUTHERFORD’S TRAVELS with Dr. Charles Johnson

Chicago Dramatists 773 N. Aberdeen, Chicago, United States

Pegasus Theatre has a special deal this weekend just for Guild Literary Complex fans: This weekend, Pegasus Theatre presents sneak peak readings of RUTHERFORD’S TRAVELS, a spellbinding tale based on the beloved book MIDDLE PASSAGE. Told through Rutherford Calhoun’s 1830s log entries, The newly freed Illinois youth has migrated south to New Orleans seeking fortune, […]

Variable

Return Us to Nakedness, A Celebration of Rane Arroyo

Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center 4048 West Armitage, Chicago, IL, United States

RANE Flyer, Jpeg Guild Literary Complex, Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, After Hours Press, and the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center invite you to join us for an evening celebrating the life and work of iconic Chicago poet Rane Arroyo. Readings and remembrances for the night will include performances by: • Rey Andujar • Eduardo […]

RAP 101

Iridium Clothing CO 1330 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, United States

Welcome to Chicago's newest DIY underground hip-hop event. On the last Thursday of the month (August and December excluded) the Guild Literary Complex hosts an a cappella hip-hop series with a diy/underground flair. Partnering with Artist AWK and Iron Heart Productions theRAPY 101 is featuring local and national spoken word talent, spin-artists, DJs, and one […]

$10

BrooksDay Preview at the MCA, Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Art 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, United States

The 4th Annual BrooksDay is right around the corner, and to pique your interest the Guild Literary Complex in conjunction with the Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting a preview night of artists who represent the broad scope of the BrooksDay legacy and vision. Showcasing their own work, artists who are part of the BrooksDay […]

Palabra Pura, May 18, 2016

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

Palabra Pura with Miguel López Lemus of Lobo Estepario Press presents: Palabra Pura as part of the Guild Literary Complex Una noche bohemia. A bohemian night. Poetry, song, music, storytelling Cuento, poesía, música, canción Sponsored by Pandora lobo estepario productions press. We are mixing it up a bit this month and will have a group […]

RAP 101 meets Real Love No Drama, Artist Talk about women, music, and Mary J. Blige with Author Danny Alexander

Volumes Bookcafe 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago , United States

Thursday May 26, 2016. Wicker Park Chicago Guild Literary Complex Presents: Where Margins Meet 5:30 - 7:30 PM Artist Talk with Danny Alexander, Volumes Bookcafe 7:30 Door, 8:00 - 9:45 PM RAP 101, Iridium Clothing Danny Alexander, the author of Real Love, No Drama: The Music of Mary J. Blige will be sitting in with […]

Free

4th Annual BrooksDay, June 7 2016

Chicago Cultural Center 78 East Washington Street, Chicago, United States

Welcome to the 4th Annual BrooksDay, a day long celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks Tuesday, June 7, 2016, Time: 10:00 am until 6:00 pm Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602. Our annual celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks is back, this year at the Chicago Cultural Center.  Special features, amazing readers and all things […]

Where Margins Meet ~ the Guild’s Annual Benefit

Filament Theatre 4041 N. MILWAUKEE AVE, Chicago , IL, United States

The GUILD LITERARY COMPLEX is set to party with you on June 22nd 6:00 - 9:00 PM at Filament theatre. Come celebrate nearly 30 years of the Guild's legacy in Chicago as we look to our next 30. Performances, music, fun, food and drink will round out a night with some of your favorite Chicago […]

$15 – $180

One Poet/One Poem

La Bruquena Restaurant 2726 W. Division, Chicago, IL, United States

The Guild’s annual One Poet/One Poem event starts the year off by looking back.  Past Palabra Pura performers are invited to return and share a single poem or other 3-minute piece, painting a portrait in snapshots of our ongoing bi-lingual reading series and all of the styles, voices, and communities it includes.

Born Woke: 30 years of Guild Literary Complex – Programming Ahead of the Times

Newberry Library 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL

A Newberry Colloquium Wednesday, October 2, 2019 4pm Towner Fellows’ Lounge, Newberry Library Join us for a talk featuring the Guild Literary Complex’s rich archive, exhibiting its groundbreaking impact on literary programming across Chicago communities. The discussion will feature Guild collaborators and curators Kurt Heintz, Marci Merola, and Lew Rosenbaum. Kurt Heintz co-founded the Guild’s Poetry […]

Creative Freedom: Writing In and Out of Prison

Green Line Performing Arts Center 329 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, United States

A reading and panel featuring formerly incarcerated writers, and writers who teach in prisons, sharing their work and their perspectives on writing in prison, writing outside of prison, and writing about prison from both inside and out. Presented in partnership with UChicago Arts & Public Life + Chicago Torture Justice Memorials in connection with the exhibition Still Here: […]

Of Poetry and Protest

Stony Island Arts Bank 6760 S. Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL, United States

3A panel presented by The Guild Literary Complex + Rebuild Foundation This afternoon with Angela Jackson, Haki Madhubuti, and Eugene Redmond, some of the most important Chicago-area poets working at the intersection of literary innovation and political resistance over the last 50 years, inaugurates a new collaboration between The Guild and Rebuild Foundation that builds on the widely […]