2024 Poetry Out Loud Registration Now Open

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition that encourages high school students to learn about and appreciate poetry. The program provides students with the opportunity to explore and analyze poetry, develop public speaking skills, and build confidence in their ability to express themselves. 

 

Participating in Poetry Out Loud and using poetry in the classroom can have a positive impact on students' Social Emotional Learning (SEL). By engaging with poetry, students are able to explore complex emotions and ideas, and develop empathy and understanding for others. Additionally, the act of reciting poetry in front of an audience can help students build self-confidence and overcome anxiety. Poetry and Literature can improve SEL by offering positive avenues to explore emotions, cultural difference, and understanding. 

 

Poetry Out Loud is a valuable tool for educators looking to improve social emotional learning outcomes for their students. By providing students with the opportunity to engage with poetry, develop public speaking skills, and build confidence, the program can help students develop the skills and emotional intelligence they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. 

Interested in participating in Poetry Out Loud 2024? Register today!

Important Dates


School Registration Deadline - October 20, 2023

Classroom Instruction/School Competitions - September - December 2023

Deadline to Report School Winners - December 22, 2023

Student Coaching and Preparation - January-February 2024

Delaware State Finals - February 29, 2024 at Smyrna Opera House

Poetry Out Loud National Finals - April 30-May 2, 2024 - Washington D.C.

Register Your Students Now >>>
Frequently Asked Questions >>>

We're Hiring - Community Engagement Program Officer

The Division is hiring for a full-time Community Engagement Program Officer! Working with Division staff and community partners, this Planner will assist in identifying and developing grants, programs, and services that expand access to arts programming and resources. Aligning with the Division's strategic goals and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Responsibilities include working statewide to better engage Delaware's many diverse communities in helping the Division make informed decisions on Division policies; research and administer community-based arts grants and initiatives for Delaware's historically underserved rural, and low-income populations.


Application deadline is September 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

Learn More or Apply Today >>>

Delaware Arts Summit Registration Deadline is September 18!

The 2023 Delaware Arts Summit will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 at Hyatt Place Dewey Beach. This all-day conference invites everyone involved or interested in Delaware's arts community to join us as we connect, learn and get inspired.

 

New This Year! The Division will host an optional pre-conference on Sunday, October 8 where planned activities include targeted presentations, a reception at a local arts organization, and a beachfront bonfire. Hotel accommodations will be available at a special rate for those attending the pre-conference on October 8.

Register Today >>>
2023 Arts Summit Schedule >>>

Roberto Lugo

Conference Featured Artist


Roberto Lugo is a Philadelphia-based artist, ceramicist, social activist, poet, and educator. Lugo utilizes classical pottery forms in conjunction with portraiture and surface design reminiscent of his North Philadelphia upbringing and Hip Hop culture to highlight themes of poverty, inequality, and racial injustice. Lugo’s works reimagine traditional European and Asian ceramics, adding a 21st-century street sensibility. Their hand-painted surfaces feature classic decorative patterns and motifs combined with elements of urban life, graffiti and portraits of individuals who have been historically absent from traditional luxury vessels, individuals such as Sojourner Truth, Dr. Cornel West, and The Notorious BIG, as well as Lugo’s family members and, very often, himself.

 

Dori Kelner

The Art of Stress Transformation


In this interactive session we will explore the profound connection between stress reduction and unleashing professional creativity. Delve into the science of stress as we engage in creative activities that ignite self-awareness, fuel innovative thinking, and unveil fresh perspectives within your work. Embrace the harmony between these forces to enhance your well-being, unlock your full potential, and cultivate a powerful mindset of professional creativity.

Rebecca Mwase

Relationship Building as Praxis; one conversation at a time


Schmoozing, team building, and community all have one thing in common: developing and maintaining relationships. The keys to creating and continuing any relationship are simple, and we all need a bit of support in engaging the practice of it in a fun, directed environment. Join Rebecca Mwase to learn the four C’s of Community Building that you can apply in any arena of your life: connection, communication, curiosity, and care.

 

Patricia Rivera

How to Tell Arts Stories that Resonate Widely


Dive into the art of multicultural storytelling, the interactive ways of using symbols, words, or action to share a narrative. This workshop will help you understand how stories elevate arts organizations, strengthen communities, and unite people.


During this workshop, you'll:

  • Create goals around organizational storytelling
  • Understand your audience to create an authentic relationship
  • Use universal themes to create stories that resonate widely and unite
  • Decide on the effectiveness of each type of narrative
  • Apply storytelling strategies that drive action or transformation

Benjamin Wagner

Managing Uncertainty


In our post-pandemic world of hybrid work, heightened performance expectations, global unrest, and economic uncertainty, so many of us are chronically stressed.


In fact, The American Psychological Association reports that three-quarters of adult Americans state that stress negatively impacts their health. And more than a third of all Americans say that stress leaves them feeling completely overwhelmed every day.

What’s going on? And what can we do?


Practical lessons will be shared in addition to fresh insights on integrative medicine, neuroscience, and psychology, you’ll leave with simple tactics to change the way you manage everyday uncertainty – and evidence that positive change is meaningful and feasible.

 

2023 Arts In Education Week

The arts are an essential part of a complete education. Students of all ages - from kindergarten to college to creative aging programs - benefit from artistic learning, innovative thinking and creativity. National Arts in Education week—September 10-16—celebrates and recognizes the importance of the arts to a well-rounded education. Here are a few ways the Division supports arts in education.

The Division offers a variety of grants for Delaware Pre-K through 12 public, charter, private, and parochial schools that have an established arts curriculum and staff. Learn more about the Division's Grants for Schools.

The Delaware Artist Roster helps interested parties find and connect with Delaware Teaching Artists who are interested in teaching in the schools and in arts and community organizations.

Learn More >>>
 

Save The Date: Award Winners XXIII

at Cab Calloway School for the Arts

Award Winners XXIII

October 2-November 3

You’re invited!  The next Award Winners XXIII reception will be held at the Cab Calloway School for the Arts on Friday, October 6 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  The event will feature the work of all 17 fellows.

Learn More >>>
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On the Mezzanine - Bryant "Tee" Bell


The Mezzanine Gallery presents Bryant "Tee" Bell's "Enlightenment" on view through September 29.


Bell’s artwork takes a critical view of social, political and cultural issues regarding inclusion and representation in our society.

Visit the Mezzanine Website >>>

The Delaware Artist Roster is now accepting new submissions!


Calling all Delaware artists! Your chance to shine has arrived as submissions are officially open for the prestigious Delaware Artist Roster. Join a diverse and thriving creative community, and let your art make a lasting impact. Don't miss this opportunity to share your unique talent with the world.


Requirements to be listed include:


  • You are Delaware residents (for performing groups, at least one person needs to be a Delaware resident)
  • You are willing and able to perform or present in communities around the state
  • You have an established fee schedule
  • You have performed publicly at least two times over the past three years (for performing and literary artists)
  • You have exhibited in at least two shows over the past three years OR have work on permanent display in a public setting
Learn More  >>>

MidAtlantic Arts Grant Deadlines Upcoming


Mid Atlantic Arts’ grant programs for organizations and artists strengthen the region’s creative network, give communities access to high quality artistic experiences, build audiences, and provide opportunities for greater understanding and appreciation of the arts.


Upcoming Important Dates:


USArtists International: Next deadline September 29, 2023

ArtsCONNECT: Application opens Fall 2023

Mid Atlantic Tours: Tour Roster Announced Fall 2023

Special Presenter Initiatives: Application opens Fall 2023

Learn More >>>
 
 

Submit your

upcoming events!


DelawareScene is a comprehensive, up-to-date website calendar featuring Delaware’s arts and cultural events and attractions in and around Delaware. Acquaint yourself with one of Delaware’s many artists, get carried away by the magic of a theater performance, frequent one of Delaware’s world-renowned museums, experience one of Delaware’s many unique festivals.


REMINDER: All grantees MUST list all events on DelawareScene.com as soon as they are announced. 

Submit an Event >>>

Request an interview!


Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.


Click below to request an interview for your organization this upcoming year.

Visit our Website >>>
 
 
 

Meet the Fellows


The prestigious Individual Artist Fellowships from the Delaware Division of the Arts recognize a variety of disciplines and outstanding quality of work. From writers to visual artists to musicians, these award-winning creatives have unique stories and talents. View all 17 Fellow profiles on the Division’s website.

Kim Hoey Stevenson

Emerging, Literature: Fiction



“Being able to complete a story arc and possibly develop a character in a small space is fascinating to me.”

Read More >>>

Charlese Phillips

Emerging, Visual Arts: Interdisciplinary



“My work has allowed me to begin a journey of self-discovery to unearth bits and pieces of my true self and to grow a stronger appreciation for my experiences and my creative voice.”

Read More >>>
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GRANTS

PODCAST

smARTDE

EVENTS

CALLS FOR ARTISTS

ARTS & CULTURE JOBS

Visitors Experience Group 2023 Conference in Wilmington

October 22-25, 2023


DISCOUNT CODE: THXSPONSORVEX23

($10 discount for sessions and events)


The cultural sector is in a period of significant change. It is imperative that we let go of outdated, inequitable practices and focus our energy on developing a field that is more inclusive and open to new ideas. With that in mind, we are focusing on new programs, new staffing models, new exhibits, new content, and new ideas for the 2023 Visitor Experience Conference. We encourage you all to try something new in your institutions this year, and then come back and tell us all about it in a session at next year's conference just outside of Philadelphia in the idyllic Brandywine Valley and Wilmington, DE.

Learn More >>>

Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Conference in Wilmington

October 10-12, 2023


DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE:

Reach out to Andy Truscott for details


The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Meeting is an annual conference dedicated to fostering excellence in museums by providing our region’s museum professionals with high-quality professional development, networking opportunities, and special events.


Registration is now open! Early Bird Registration is available until September 6 for both members and non-members.

Learn More >>>
 
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Each month we feature arts and community-based organizations and their programs and projects funded by the Delaware Division of the Arts.

Dover Public Library


In Harmony Concert Series



Dover, Project Support

Seaford Community Concert Association


Vox Fortura



Seaford, General Operating Support

Read More >>>
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The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

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