THE POETRY LABORATORY
is a virtual gathering space where young writers come together to find their voice, engage big ideas, and connect with each other—through writing.
The Poetry Laboratory started in April 2020 in response to school closures and the changing educational landscape. In the midst of upheaval, we created a virtual space where young people could develop their craft, explore methods of authentic expression, and connect with each other across physical and social distance.
Between April 2020 and June 2021, the Poetry Laboratory offered more than 50 free and donation-based workshops where young people came together to read, write, and talk about poems. With an interactive and student-directed curriculum, the Poetry Lab brought together young people from across the US and held space for deep listening, creative experimentation, and personal discovery.
National Youth Poet Laureate Meera Dasgupta visits the Poetry Laboratory in July 2020. This special event was facilitated by Dr. Christine Gardiner in collaboration with The Center for Fiction and Urban Word NYC
Oliver, age 9, shares a poem
The Poetry Laboratory brings young writers together from NYC, Virginia, and Germany (September 2020)
Video by Jia Aucolino, age 16
Dr. Christine Gardiner explains the origins of the Poetry Laboratory
Tori, age 17, reads an original poem