Poetry Out Loud is BACK! This national arts education program encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.  

The Mobile, Alabama program involves a free Find Your Voice Workshop, followed by the Region 1 Poetry Recitation Competition this January. Winners at the Regional Level will advance to the Statewide Competition. Those winners will have the opportunity to compete in the National Competition.  

We invite area high school students to join us for the free workshop on Saturday, January 24th at the Ben May Main Library located at 701 Government St. This workshop will begin at 11:00 a.m. Here, students will have access to poetry analysis, writing, and general competition info. Students will be given the opportunity to practice their poems in the competition space, so they can be as prepared as possible come competition day! Lunch and professional development are provided! Find out more about the program and register online here: 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud Competition Registration Open Now! – Mobile Arts Council 

ABOUT POETRY OUT LOUD 

Poetry Out Loud is a yearly national competition for high school students who are interested in poetry, creative writing, acting, and public speaking. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies. The competition uses a pyramid structure to determine who will compete at the national level. Classroom winners compete within their school, then those winners may go on to compete at regional, state, and final national levels. 

ABOUT MOBILE ARTS COUNCIL 

Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is a 501(c)3 that has advocated art for all for over 67 years. MAC’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in the greater Mobile area through increasing accessibility to the arts and promoting a vibrant cultural community. Utilizing strategic programming, a communal gallery, public events, and partnerships, MAC serves all sectors and artforms. For more info: mobilearts.org.