As a literary arts ambassador for San Diego, Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez will launch a signature project called San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 (SDPF24) this spring. Perez’s new initiative will be in partnership with the City through Arts and Culture, exploring poetry as a form of community empowerment.

“San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 will be a collaborative space for ongoing expansive poetic experimentation,” said Perez. “Exploring poetry as a form of intergenerational community empowerment, this initiative will include various programs and projects to bridge communities.”

SDPF24 invites San Diego communities, educators, artists and civic leaders to mobilize collaborations in poetry and performance. To inspire these collaborations, Perez will host writing workshops, film screenings and poetry readings at schools, libraries, bookstores and other community spaces, and will experiment with poetry and performance through community gatherings such as chalk poetry, protest poetry and pop-up open mic events. Activities and events will be free and open to the public in neighborhoods across the City.

The project aims to build community and empower San Diegans through poetry and social justice, and to innovate new forms of literary programming. Materials developed through SDPF24 will help ensure broad access to social justice-centered teaching, learning and appreciation of poetry.

SDPF24 will culminate at the end of the year in an intergenerational community-responsive poetry forum. In its commitment to social and transformative justice, SDPF24 will promote safe, inclusive and dignifying spaces for families and communities.

“As poet laureate, Jason continues to tell stories of our great city,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive Director of Arts and Culture. “With this signature poetry project, we look forward to inspiring San Diegans and enjoying their shared expressions of spoken work and performance art.” 

Just ahead of National Poetry Month in April, San Diegans will have the opportunity to experience poetry and meet Perez and collaborators during the SDPF24 kickoff event at the Central Library Shiley Special Events Suite on Wednesday, March 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will include opening remarks, details about SDPF24 and poetry readings.

To learn more about SDPF24 and view a schedule of upcoming events, visit the City’s Poet Laureate webpage.

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable, inclusive and creative economy by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.