BREATHEINK PROGRAMS
Poetry Slams
Teen poets from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area compete using original poems and performances. Poets earn points throughout the slam season to qualify for Finals in April. The top poets at Finals will represent Charlotte, NC at the Brave New Voices International Poetry Festival.
BreatheINK Poetry Slam League
Local school and community poetry slam teams compete against each other utilizing individual and group poems throughout the school year. All teams participate at the League Championship in April, where the top four teams battle for prizes, bragging rights, and the Championship Trophy!
Workshops & Residencies
BreatheINK Teaching Artists facilitate writing and performance workshops and residencies. Students will learn different approaches to writing, often using examples by contemporary poets and lyricists and writing prompts to begin crafting their own original works. Students will engage in poetry observation, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and group discussions.
Open Mics
Open Mics, in partnership with We Rock Charlotte, showcase all forms of creative artistic self-expression (poetry, dance, music, etc.) by local youth performers.
School Poetry Clubs
BreatheINK assists middle and high schools desiring to establish school poetry clubs. Clubs will be open to all students in each designated school. Teachers/Club mentors will receive assistance with setting up the club, writing prompts and workshops, video references, a club resource kit, and connection to a BreatheINK Teaching Artist.