The Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA), founded by Gwendolyn Brooks and presented annually by Guild Literary Complex, celebrates outstanding original poetry by Illinois writers. Finalists selected by guest judge...
The first and only Spanish language slam in Chicago returns in-person! The first and only Spanish language slam in Chicago returns in-person! All participants have a chance to compete at...
Presented in partnership with the Guild Literary Complex Join us for a free poetry reading celebrating National Black Poetry Day. Honoring the history and continued legacy of Black poetry, the...
An exclusive screening of the film La Bola Negra & pre-show poetry performances by the Guild Literary Complex's Palabra Pura community Join us for a special screening of La Bola...
The first and only Spanish language slam in Chicago returns in-person! Primera llamada to this year’s GRAND SLAM! Winners go on to Abya Yala Poetry Slam and Circuito Nacional Poetry...
The Guild Literary Complex partners with the Evanston Writers Workshop to host a reading at the In the Trenches Conference 2026 featuring finalists from our 2026 Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic...
Saturday, November 21st / 6:30 @ Haymarket House Transvengence Vol. 14 features the book launch of Goodbye to a Dream Believed by Joss Barton. Joss Barton will perform readings from...
