Production
At the heart of my work is a deeply held belief that art should be free and for all. For me, producing is a radical act—an intentional challenge to the capitalist frameworks that constrain its potential. In an era of late-stage capitalism, where creativity is often reduced to a transactional commodity, I strive to create spaces that transcend these limitations. These immersive, transformative events reject hierarchical structures, centering marginalized voices and dismantling the top-down model of artistic production.
Producing, therefore, is an act of reclamation—returning art to its roots as a means of liberation and community-building. Production is not simply about logistics; it is an exercise in reimagining what art can be when freed from capitalist exploitation and allowed to flourish in an environment of accessibility and care. Through thoughtful curation, I aim to uplift programming where creativity and community are central and we can all embrace the endless possibilities of our Poet Era.
Here are some of the programs I produce as Programs Director of PSNY:
-
✽
The New York City Poetry Festival is a transformative, free-to-attend event on Governors Island, drawing over 15,000 attendees. With six main stages featuring over 100 literary organizations and headliners, the festival offers programming for all ages and poetry backgrounds. Attendees can also enjoy an artisan market, food trucks, interactive installations, and a visual arts gallery, ensuring there's a little something for everyone.
-
✽
Poetry Camp is PSNY’s immersive summer camp and writing retreat, where poets and poetry-lovers alike can embrace their inner transcendentalist and escape into nature for creative exploration. The retreat offers a mix of free time for personal writing and opportunities to attend intimate workshops and seminars. Whether you're a seasoned poet or discovering your voice, Poetry Camp fosters a sense of wonder and deepens your connection to the craft.
-
✽
Free Verse Workshops provide safe, identity-centered spaces for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creatives to connect, create, and explore their unique identities through poetry. These free monthly workshops are designed to combat the social inequities that too often silence marginalized voices, offering an inclusive environment where participants feel seen, valued, and empowered. By centering BIPOC and LGBTQ+ experiences, Free Verse not only fosters creativity but actively works toward justice and dismantling barriers in the arts.
-
✽
Weekly Virtual Workshops are designed to spark creativity, community, and healing through engaging, accessible themes like Self-Love Spells and Poetry as a Movie. Each workshop follows a unique LWS flow—lecture, generative free-writes, and a sharing session—encouraging deep conversation and collaboration through a text-based, Socratic approach. Open to poetry-lovers of all levels, these workshops offer a space for creative exploration, connection, and the collective magic of writing.
-
✽
The Poetry Society of New York’s Annual Masquerade Ball invites guests into a night of wonder, art, and poetry. Featuring a secret auction, captivating performances, and a curated selection of drinks, the Ball raises essential funds for PSNY’s mission to make art and poetry accessible to all. Guests immerse themselves in a magical evening of masks, mystery, and personalized experiences from typewriter poets, tarot readers, astrologers, and more.
-
✽
PSNY's Annual Spring Gala is a celebration of New York’s literary past and future, blending the old-world glamour of Gramercy Park with the playful, wild energy of The Poetry Society of New York. It funds and awareness for The New York City Poetry Festival, the largest free gathering of poets in the country. With its unique setting and dynamic programming, the festival brings poetry to new audiences and highlights the vibrancy of the literary arts in NYC.