
The Word is a transformative literary arts program for New Haven young people. The Word partners experienced teaching poets, award-winning spoken-word artists, and emcees with creative students, teachers, and administrators across the city to equip youth to become stronger poets and culture creators.
video by Travis Carbonella
MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE WORD

Managing Director

Project Coordinator

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
This is The Word's first album ever! It is a collection of poems and raps created by students in New Haven high schools (and beyond) inspired by the NEA Big Read book, Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine.
In partnership with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas and The Future Project, students at the citywide Weekly Word Workshops and in The Word’s residencies at High School in the Community, New Haven Academy, Wilbur Cross, Riverside Academy and Sound School created written and spoken word responding to Citizen. Select pieces were then recorded at Baobab Tree Studios and performed at The Word’s Citizen Jam at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Inbox us to order your hard copy! **Contains some explicit language**