HAWAI‘I YOUTH POET LAUREATE 2024
There are no longer any performances available for this show.
Castle Theater
This is a FREE MACC livestreamed event. Head to MauiArts.org homepage, the MACC's Facebook or YouTube page to tune in to the event beginning at 10:00 am (HST) Thursday, April 4, 2024. Or view it on demand later on the MACC's YouTube channel via the link above.
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents Hawai‘i’s fourth youth poet laureate presentations and selection of the state's 2024 Youth Poet Laureate presented before a live invitation-only student audience in Castle Theater.
The event will include performances by five youth poet finalists from throughout Hawai‘i, appearances and performances by several special guests, and culminating in the announcement of the young poet selected to be this year's youth poet laureate. Founded in 2008 by Urban Word, the National Youth Poet Laureate Program identifies and celebrates young poets who exhibit a commitment to artistic excellence, civic engagement, youth leadership and social justice.
This year, MACC’s Education Department has been working with teachers and students statewide to encourage and prepare them for this opportunity. Finalist participants in the program range in age from 10 to 19.
Special guests for the event, offering performances and some mentoring messages to the finalists, are:
- Corina Yi, Hawai‘i’s third Youth Poet Laureate
- Brandy Nālani McDougall, Hawai‘i’s State Poet Laureate
- Selina Tusitala Marsh, New Zealand's Adult Poet Laureate
Emcees of the event are Travis Kaululā‘au Thompson and Kalehua Fung. Born and raised in Kalihi, Oʻahu, Travis T. is a nationally ranked slam poet, spoken word artist, educator, and professional teaching artist for the MACC. Kalehua Fung is Hawai‘i’s second Youth Poet Laureate.
Presenting Sponsors: