YOUTH PROGRAMMING
The Houston Youth Poet Laureate program is an initiative of Writers in the Schools, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Houston Public Library. The program aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement through poetry and performance. Past Youth Poet Laureates have received publications, performance bookings, and the opportunity to be regional ambassadors for the National Youth Poet Laureate program.
Free Verse is a monthly open mic series for youth ages 13-19. Each month, young poets, spoken word artists, singers and emcees perform their original work at Aerosol Warfare and Art League Houston. Each open mic includes a prominent featured poet or performer.
META4 Slam Series
The META4 Slam Series is a free youth poetry competition that invites performers ages 13-19 to compete for a spot on the renowned Meta4 Houston youth poetry slam team. The series gives young Houston poets, rappers, emcees, and spoken word artists the opportunity to perform and build community with other youth artists.
As 2023 Brave New Voices International Champion Meta4 Houston is the face of the youth poetry slam scene in Houston. Each year hundreds of teens compete at the Space City Slam Series, vying for one of six coveted spots on the Meta4 team. Meta4 Houston takes the voices of youth to powerful new heights through one-on-one mentorship as well as local and national performance opportunities.
