O, Miami Poetry Festival, the beloved community program that has been shaping the city's cultural scene in one way or another since 2011, is officially back this month.
Now through April 30, 40 different events aiming to reach every single person in South Florida will be mounted across town, activations that will span form, function and genre as part of a rich lineup that will also include a new public art initiative called "Soy de Todas Partes" ("I am of all places") that will explore the modern immigrant experience.
The initiative won't be relegated to this month's festival, either. Throughout the year, Miamians can expect to see 100 new installations around town, each one approaching poetry as public art to celebrate the city's multiculturalism.
“Write a poem, join a workshop or stumble upon poetry in unexpected places,” said O, Miami executive co-director Melody Santiago Cummings in an official statement. “Swap stories and clothing, get a tattoo with a new friend, or find poetry in the cosmos, the coral reefs, or a quilt. Honor the past, celebrate the present, and dream up the future with us. Whether you’re skateboarding, shucking oysters, mothering, or dancing through your grief, there’s a place for you here—come make the festival yours.”
You can browse through the entire festival schedule right here, but let us highlight some of the most exciting events on deck:
Chiquita Poemas: All throughout April, the O, Miami street team will be distributing fruit stickers featuring nine original poems written by elementary and middle school students to plaster on fruits and veggies across produce aisles.
Frut Loops: This hands-on poetry and art experience will be split into three 75-minute sessions for 10 participants each on Sunday, April 6. Guests will write a short poem and then use it as an inspiration to decorate a blank fingerboard deck. You'll get to bring your handmade Tutifruti fingerboard home once the session is over!
Clothing Swap & Poetry Pop-Up: Bring a summer-inspired piece to exchange with someone else's at this giant community clothing swap and poetry workshop on April 13. You'll be asked to write a personal poem influenced by your new wardrobe staple as well.
Graveyard Poetry: On Saturday, April 26, participants will head to the historic Miami City Cemetery to explore themes of mortality, nature and more as inspired by the space around them. You're encouraged to dress in black and bring a blanket to sit on.