news & events
YOUR WORDS HAVE power
YOUR voice MATTERS
YOUR ACTIONS HAVE impact
poetry just became a sport
As the flagship program of Bay Area Creative, SPARC poetry strives to create art communities in schools. Since 2008, SPARC Poetry has been teaching creative writing, stage performance, and social activism throughout the Bay Area. Nationally recognized artists run workshops in K-12 classrooms sharing their passion for performance arts, and inspiring youth to creatively address the world around them. The program serves over 6000 people per year at 32 school and community sites.
SPARC Poetry events both showcase the creativity fostered in the workshops, as well as connect other school programs and local community groups to celebrate all forms of art.

the vision
Our vision is to create a world where cultural sensitivity, social justice and emotional balance promote well rounded healthy people who can lead the way to a society that is thriving with diversity, supported by community and fulfilled in the creative acts of individuals.
After School Poetry Clubs
SPARC Poetry provides the option for students to join Poetry Slam teams through our unique after-school program. Students are encouraged to work in groups and take on leadership roles in order to sharpen their writing, strengthen their performance, and claim victory!
poetry in schools
after school teams
SPARC Poetry provides the option for students to join Poetry Slam teams through our unique after-school program. Students are encouraged to work in groups and take on leadership roles in order to sharpen their writing, strengthen their performance, and claim the power in telling their own stories outloud.

Screen slam registration
We are launching our second Screen Slam Poetry Film Competition. This creative “stage” combines poetry and video skills. Record, edit (optional), and post yourself saying an original poem on YouTube. Then paste in the link in this submission box.
Prizes are awarded for entrees voted “best” filmed video, "best" written poem, and "most impacting" content. If you have no experience editing videos, we still encourage you to submit a simple video of you saying your poem. This is still a poetry slam. YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL.
Ages: 4th - 12th grade (prizes awarded in different age groups)
Submissions Open Now - Jan 8th at 11:59pm
More Info & Rules +
Bay Area Creative All Ages Programs
The adventure of creativity does not stop with graduation. We also support community based all-ages poetry slams.

The Berkeley Slam is the longest running poetry slam on the west coast. Bay Area Creative has supported The Berkeley Poetry slam as a funded project for three years. The slam is a transitional space where students who have graduated from our high school poetry workshops can continue to be mentored, write and perform in connection with one of the most prestigious spoken word communities in the world.