KPC Overview
Kalamazoo Poetry Collective is a nonprofit that holds a multi-day festival every other year. The Festival includes guest poets, workshops, readings, craft talks, and other activities. Everyone is invited, and the events are free! In non-Festival years, we present a Celebration of Community Poets that highlights established and emerging poets in the Kalamazoo area.
VISION
Our vision is a community where every voice is heard. The Kalamazoo Poetry Collective strives to celebrate poetry as a vital art form that builds community, fosters healing, and amplifies diverse voices.
MISSION
The Kalamazoo Poetry Collective connects people through the power of poetry. Through free and accessible programming, we create spaces where creativity flourishes, equity is practiced, and individuals of all ages can experience the transformative power of poetry.
Core Values
- Poetry as Possibility: No one is too far from poetry. Poetry is not reserved for stages or classrooms. It is something people reach for when they need to process, celebrate, speak their truth, or simply enjoy. Not every poem needs a purpose beyond the pleasure of it. At its best, poetry helps us imagine a different world and create inclusive spaces.
- Authenticity: We show up as we are. That authenticity lives in our programming, our relationships, and our commitments.
- Centered on People: Our work exists because of people: the poets, the first-timers, the volunteers, the partners, and the community members who keep showing up. People are not the backdrop to our mission. They are the reason for it.
- Space for Creativity: Poetry opens doors. We make space for creative risk, artistic growth, and the kind of expression that may even surprise the person doing it.
- Genuine Connection: We build with our community, not just for it. Community buy-in shapes what we create, our partnerships, and how we do this work.
- Sustainability: We care for our financial, creative, and community resources so this work can last. That means making thoughtful decisions today that protect what we are building for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
I love to write poems. Can I read at your festival?
Every festival has an open mic. We would love to hear your poems there. We also have a reading
that features poets from the community. It is called the Celebration of Community Poets. If you
would like to be considered for this event, check out the upcoming festival page for more info
How can I lead a workshop With the kalamazoo poetry collective
Workshops are offered every other year, in odd numbered years. The festival posts a request for workshop proposals about six months before the April festival. Keep an eye on our social media for the call for workshop proposals.
Do you have a mailing list?
We do! You can sign up here.
I would like to be considered to be a member of your board of directors. How can I do that?
You can apply to be a board member here. Be sure to read the job description and expectations for board members before deciding to apply.
How much do your events cost?
The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival in April, and all of our corresponding events during the year are free. We do accept donations so that we can continue to offer events each year.
When does the Kalamazoo Poetry collective's Festival take place?
The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival takes place in April, National Poetry Month. The date changes each year as we try to avoid other major scheduling conflicts such as Spring Break, The Gilmore
Festival and some years, Easter. If you navigate to our Upcoming Events page, you can view our year round offerings.
Have a question not answered here? Contact us.