The annual Beall Poetry Festival is set to return to Baylor University from March 19-21, offering an interactive experience for students and poetry lovers alike. The festival welcomes everyone—from dedicated poetry enthusiasts to those simply curious about the art form—to engage with renowned poets and their work.
This year marks the festival’s 31st celebration, featuring three distinguished poets: Carl Phillips, Victoria Chang, and Christian Wiman. Their readings and discussions will provide insight into different styles and themes in poetry, offering attendees a chance to deepen their appreciation for the craft.
A Celebration of Poetry and Learning
The festival will begin on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. with a T-shirt giveaway outside Carroll Science Hall. On Thursday, a poetry lecture and reading series will take place in the Treasure Room at Armstrong Browning Library, starting at 3:30 p.m., featuring Christian Wiman and Victoria Chang. The event will conclude on Friday with a panel discussion at 11:15 a.m., followed by a Student Literary Awards Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. and a reading by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Carl Phillips at 5:30 p.m.
Phillips expressed his excitement about sharing his poetry with a new audience.
“What excites me most about being involved with the festival is the opportunity to share my work with people who might not have known it before. With luck, how I see and think about the world might help inform another person’s experience of it.”
Similarly, Victoria Chang emphasized the value of poetry festivals, recalling her own experiences as a young poet.
“I attended a lot of poetry conferences and festivals when I was starting out. I think it’s important to be around the things you enjoy doing. Exposing yourself to others who share your interests can be a valuable learning experience.”
Both poets hope attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on the world, deeper emotional connections, and a renewed appreciation for language.
Celebrating Student Creativity
Beyond the readings and discussions, the festival also highlights the creative voices of students. Those who submitted their poetry will have a chance to be recognized during the Student Literary Awards Ceremony, celebrating emerging talent and providing an opportunity to showcase original work.
For students and attendees, the Beall Poetry Festival is more than just a series of readings—it is a chance to be part of a literary community, engage with meaningful ideas, and find inspiration through poetry.
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