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Basement Poetry

@basementpoetry

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We are a performance arts group focusing on slam poetry & movement theatre dedicated to creating courageous & safe places to share stories.
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📣 FALL TEEN TAKEOVER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Calling all teens 13-17! Join Basement Poetry, Rain Poetry, and ArtsQuest for Fall Teen Takeover! Students will explore poetry, bring their stories to life, And be apart of @pahumanities Rain Poetry project! We’re bringing the words to our home in Bethlehem! Location: ArtsQuest Creative Factory, powered by PPL 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 Dates: Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17 & December 1 Time: 4:00–5:30 PM Your voice matters. Your story matters. Come take up space, get creative, and connect with other young writers! Register now at artsquest.org! by @basementpoetry
Tickets are live! 🎈 The Civic Theatre of Allentown is hosting the Pennsylvania premiere of “in love, in memory,” the debut feature film from local co-directors Shalon Buskirk and Drew Swedberg. Winner of the 2026 Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature at Indie Street Film Festival (@indiestfilmfest), the lyrical Allentown-based documentary that first began production in 2019 is finally coming home for three screenings from November 6th-8th.  FILM DESCRIPTION A poetic, collage-like portrait of life in the wake of immeasurable loss, “in love, in memory” traces the everyday movements of a mother gathering cherished memories of her family and unearthing interrelated stories of violence in her hometown. Shalon Buskirk’s advocacy orbits around her firstborn son, Parris Jerome Lane, whose murder in 2017 marked the end of an unprecedented year of gun violence and housing instability in Allentown, Pennsylvania. To memorialize her son and connect his story to the enduring systemic racism of a post-industrial American city, Shalon collaborates with an intergenerational ensemble of Black women. An artist pens a poem for Parris, a historian sifts through Allentown’s haunting legacy of housing discrimination, and an activist struggles to remember her trailblazing battle for fair housing in the 1960s. An impressionistic counter-narrative that refuses to follow the expectations of true crime, “in love, in memory” refracts quiet scenes of artistic intervention, community storytelling and tender remembrance through a prism of passing time. If you are under the age of 26 or have been impacted by gun violence, please connect directly with @basementpoetry to access free tickets to the screening â€ïžâ€đŸ”„ by @basementpoetry
We are excited to share that past ATHENA recipient Chloe Cole-Wilson will share her spoken word poetry at the 2026 ATHENA Awards đŸ©· Chloe Cole-Wilson is a public health professional, poet, and community advocate from Allentown, Pennsylvania. She serves as the Senior Director of Community Programs at @rivercrossingymca and is the Founding Executive Director of @basementpoetry an arts collective that uses poetry, performance, and storytelling to create space for underrepresented voices. For more than a decade Chloe has brought together public health and the arts in her work with communities. She believes creative expression can help people connect and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Her contributions have earned her recognition throughout the region and beyond. In 2020, she received a Forty Under 40 Award from @lehighvalley_business. In 2021, she was featured on @goodmorningamerica’s “Who’s Making LGBTQ+ History” Inspiration List. In 2023, she was named one of @lvstylemag’s Most Influential Women, followed by the @wbclv’s Emerging ATHENA Award in 2024. In 2026 she was recognized as a Pennsylvania Humanities Window Keeper. Chloe holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from @capellau and a master’s degree in psychology from the @uopx. You won’t want to miss Chloe and the chance to celebrate our 2026 ATHENAs on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the ArtsQuest! Tickets are $75 for Chamber members and $100 for future members. Register here: https://bit.ly/4pgUYzl or visit the link in @wbclv’s bio! #WBCATHENA #wbclv #lvchamber #lehighvalley by @basementpoetry
Our youngest gardener! @enid0202 💗 Today is a reminder that even the youngest in our community can make an impact! by @basementpoetry
Thank you all who came to our invite only twig cutting. (We forgot the ribbon but we’re environmentally friendly ova here!) We are cooking up some end of the season events for the community and we have a special announcement to share with you all. Gardens aren’t just pretty, they bring joy and life to each community they enter đŸ«¶đŸżđŸ’— by @basementpoetry
How are you showing up for your neighbors? We show up for our neighbors by creating brave spaces where the arts can be a catalyst for healing and connection. As Suicide Prevention Month continues take some time to reflect and write about the ways we can support our neighbors near and far. Every person carries a story and experiences that shape who they are. How are you showing up in the lives of others? How are you making an impact right where you are? In your apartment building, on your block, in your neighborhood, or within your community? Sometimes showing up can be as simple as listening, creating space, checking in, or reminding someone that they are not alone. What does showing up for your neighbors look like to you? by @basementpoetry
Have you ever written poetry during dark times? Poetry can be a powerful tool for self-regulation and for processing new information, experiences, and emotions. Share your favorite poetic line in the comments. And remember: sharing your story can be prevention. Your words may help someone feel less alone, recognize what they’re experiencing, or find the courage to reach out for support đŸ©” by @basementpoetry
National Suicide Prevention Month is never easy. For survivors it can bring up difficult reminders. For loved ones who are grieving, it can be painful and can remind us just how deeply we need to love our neighbors and create spaces where people feel seen, held and supported. For many, the arts provide a space where joy, grief, and love can exist together and all at the same time. We want to remind you: you are never alone. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out: BlackLine: Call or text 1-800-604-5841 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for crisis support Please take care of yourself. Check in on someone you love. Make space for the hard conversations. And remember that sometimes simply being there can mean everything. by @basementpoetry
Have a creative idea that brings people together? The DREAM LAB: Inspire Creativity Grant provides $150–$500 to support creative events, community gatherings, workshops, and grassroots projects across the Lehigh Valley. Your idea. Your community. Your DREAM LAB. Applications are opening next week! đŸ«¶đŸżđŸ©” What is the DREAM LAB: Inspire Creativity Grant? DREAM LAB is a small grant opportunity designed to support creatives, community members, and grassroots organizers who want to bring people together through art, creativity, and community connection. How much funding is available? Grants range from $150–$500 per project. Funding is intended to help make creative ideas, events, and community gatherings possible. What can the grant support? Funds can support creative events, workshops, community gatherings, artistic activities, and other projects that bring people together. We encourage ideas that create meaningful opportunities for connection, creativity, and community participation. Who is eligible to apply? Applicants must live in or serve the Lehigh Valley and be at least 18 years old. Applicants ages 16–17 may apply with parent or guardian approval. Individuals, informal groups, and nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply. by @basementpoetry
What a powerful evening at @basementpoetry reading of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Sweat, in Allentown. The performance was followed by an important community conversation about labor, race, economic decline, and the realities that continue to shape our communities. Grateful for spaces where art brings us together to listen, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue. #basementpoetry #allentown by @basementpoetry
Basement Poetry presents SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, a powerful play about friendship, work, economic struggle, race, and what happens when the systems we depend on begin to change. For our September 5th performance we’re inviting Lehigh Valley Stands Up to be present for a relaxed community conversation around the themes explored in the play and how they connect to our own community. SWEAT asks difficult questions about labor, identity, inequality, opportunity, and the relationships that hold us together and sometimes tear us apart. Content Warning: This play is not suitable for audience members under the age of 18. This show contains strong language and adult themes. Get tickets: Sweat: A Play Reading — Eventbrite⁠ Join us for an afternoon of theatre, reflection, and conversation. September 5 | 4:00 PM Pay-What-You-Can 📍 Allentown, PA Come see the play. Stay for the conversation. by @basementpoetry
Meet our final cast member for SWEAT! Meet Wilmari Rivera Wilmari Rivera is a 26-year-old Bronx, New York native who was raised in the Lehigh Valley. A recent college graduate and certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Wilmari graduated with honors and earned Dean’s List recognition, as well as an AAMA award for her dedication and achievement. Outside of her professional life, Wilmari enjoys reading, spending time in nature, creating memories with her children, and embracing new experiences. She’s excited to bring her love of the arts, energy, heart, and authenticity to the stage. Come meet Wilmari and the rest of the cast as we bring Lynn Nottage’s powerful story of friendship, community, work, and change to life. SWEAT September 4 at 7:00 PM September 5 at 4:00 PM Presented by Basement Poetry Directed by Deirdre Van Walters by @basementpoetry

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