Welcome to the Summer 2025 programs at the University of Arizona Poetry Center! Note that in addition to the classes, events and programs offered below, the Poetry Center will be closed to the public from May 20 thorough July 7, reopening on July 8. During this time, we'll be installing a significant new greenspace and gathering areas to the south of the Poetry Center. You can learn more about this project and what the new space will make possible here.
Classes
We're thrilled to announce an exciting array of classes and workshops this summer—an exciting mix of writing-intensive generative poetry studios, lively workshops, and rigorous writing seminars. All classes are first come, first served, and open until registration is full.
Financial aid opens: May 20, 10:00am Learn more and apply here!
General Registration Opens: May 27 at 10:00 am Apply here!
The Art of Japanese Haibun with Katherine Larson
Thursday, July 10 | 5:00-7:00pm | Tuition: $50
Visualizing The Poem: Poems Maps with Joni Wallace
Tuesdays, July 15 and July 29 | 5:00-7:00pm | Tuition: $100
Writing Tucson: Intersecting Place, Prose and Poetry with Estella González
Thursdays, August 7, 14, and 21 | 5:00-7:00pm | Tuition: $150
Financial aid awards will be offered to cover the tuition cost of a course offered. The awards are valued anywhere from $50 to $150, according to recipient interest. Application is simple, and any community member is eligible to apply for need-based aid if they can attest to personal financial need. Selection is by lottery. The application deadline for financial aid is set for May 26 at 5:00 pm. Please spread the word to working writers for whom tuition would otherwise be a prohibitive financial strain! Learn more and apply here.
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summer socials And Screenings
Summer Socials take place in the Century Room at Hotel Congress and are designed as interesting happy hour experiences. Each event will feature complimentary snacks and a cash bar. The Screening takes place at the Loft Cinema at a time TBD--check back on the Poetry Center website to later in the summer to learn more!
Summer Social: Monsoon-themed Open Mic
Sunday, July 13, doors at 4:00PM, program at approximately 4:30PM.
In partnership with Sky Island Alliance, join us for a Summer Social at Hotel Congress’ Century Room to celebrate and call in the 2025 Monsoon Season in Southern Arizona. Participants can share their own work, or a rain-themed poem that they love.
Summer Social: Book Launch for Wedding of the Foxes from Katherine Larson
Sunday, August 3rd, doors at 4:00PM, program at approximately 4:30PM.
Join us for a Summer Social at Hotel Congress’ Century Room to celebrate the release of Katherine Larson’s Wedding of the Foxes, a collection of lyric essays that embraces fractures, contradictions, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Books will be for sale.
Screening: Poetry Film Shorts with Arizona Illustrated
August, date and time TBD. Check back to poetry.arizona.edu for details
Join us for a screening of seven poem films creating by the award-winning production team at Arizona Illustrated. Featured poets include Tucson writers Sylvia Chan, Alison Hawthorne Deming, Estella González, Claire Hong, Gabriel Palacios, Marc Pinate, and Richard Siken.
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sealey Challenge Book Swap
The Sealey Challenge is to read a book of poetry each day during the month of August. While the books you choose are up to you, The Sealey Challenge encourages reading books by a diverse range of poets. Learn more about the Sealey Challenge. Join the Tucson Sealey community at our mid-month book swap! Bring books you are finished with, take home new books to see the month through!
Poetry Book Swap at Bar Crisol
Wednesday August 14th, 5-7pm.
A Sealey Challenge poetry books swap at Bar Crisol. Join us to celebrate the halfway point of the Sealey Challenge! Bring poetry books for a book swap; go home with new treasures to help finish the month of reading!