YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Houston Youth Poet Laureate Program
The Houston Youth Poet Laureate program is an initiative of Writers in the Schools, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Houston Public Library. The program aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement through poetry and performance. Past Youth Poet Laureates have received publications, performance bookings, and the opportunity to be regional ambassadors for the National Youth Poet Laureate program.
Free Verse Open Mic Series
Free Verse is a monthly open mic series for youth ages 13-19. Each month, young poets, spoken word artists, singers and emcees perform their original work at Aerosol Warfare and Art League Houston. Each open mic includes a prominent featured poet or performer.
META4 Slam Series
The META4 Slam Series is a free youth poetry competition that invites performers ages 13-19 to compete for a spot on the renowned Meta-Four Houston youth poetry slam team. The series gives young Houston poets, rappers, emcees, and spoken word artists the opportunity to perform and build community with other youth artists.
Meta-Four Houston is the face of the youth poetry slam scene, representing Houston to the world at the international Brave New Voices festival. Each year hundreds of teens compete at the Space City Slam Series, vying for a spot on the Meta-Four team. Meta-Four Houston takes the voices of youth to powerful new heights through one-on-one mentorship as well as local and national performance opportunities.
