San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez to Launch Poetry Initiative in Collaboration With City

A local literary arts ambassador will launch the San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 project this spring as part of a partnership with the city, it was announced.

San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez’s initiative will explore “poetry as a form of community empowerment,” the city said Tuesday.

“San Diego Poetry Futures 2024 will be a collaborative space for ongoing expansive poetic experimentation,” Perez said in a statement. “This initiative will include various programs and projects to bridge communities.”

With April being National Poetry Month, SDPF24 will kick off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, in the Central Library Shiley Special Events Suite and feature opening remarks, information and poetry readings.

SDPF24 organizers are inviting San Diego communities, educators, artists and civic leaders to mobilize collaborations in poetry and performance, according to the city.

The project will also feature new forms of literary programming. SDPF24 materials will “help ensure broad access to social justice-centered teaching, learning and appreciation of poetry,” the city said.

As a way to inspire collaborations, Perez will host writing workshops, film screenings and readings at schools, libraries, bookstores and other community spaces.

Perez will also experiment with performance via community events involving chalk and protest poetry, and pop-up open mic events. Activities and events will be free.

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

SDPF24 will end the year with 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,” according to the city.

More information is available here.