PA Humanities Launches New Rain Poetry Toolkit and Statewide Grant Opportunity

From PA Humanities

PA Humanities has announced the launch of a Rain Poetry Toolkit, a free public resource designed to help bring this popular youth program to more communities.

Launched in 2023 as part of PA Humanities’ 50th anniversary, Rain Poetry is a public art and humanities initiative that brings youth poetry to life in community spaces. Inspired by Boston’s Raining Poetry project, PA Humanities adapted the idea for Philadelphia youth, drawing on decades of experience with public programs like Youth-led Humanities, PA Heart & Soul, and Chester Made. Since its debut, Rain Poetry has yielded more than 30 workshops, engaged over 300 youth ages 8 to 18, and produced over 300 original poems.

Through workshops led by poets and teaching artists, youth write original haiku poems on themes like growth, community, or neighborhood pride. Their words are transformed into water-activated art installed on sidewalks and revealed at a community celebration where families and neighbors gather to honor their voices.

Drawn from the creativity and experiences of past Rain Poetry host sites, poets, and teachers, the Rain Poetry Toolkit features photos, insights, and step-by-step guidance to make it easy for schools, libraries, arts organizations, and community groups to create their own installations.

To expand access and inspire more community-led projects, PA Humanities is also launching a new Rain Poetry Grant, which opened on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with awards of up to $5,000 for Pennsylvania-based nonprofits and community groups working with youth ages 8 to 18. The grant supports poetry workshops, public installations, and community celebrations that showcase the creativity of local youth.

“Rain Poetry has shown how the humanities can transform public spaces into opportunities for conversation and local pride,” said Dawn Frisby Byers, Senior Director of Content and Engagement at PA Humanities. “With this toolkit and grant, we’re inviting communities across the state to celebrate youth creativity.”

An informational webinar will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, at noon, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Rain Poetry, a preview of the toolkit, and guidance on applying for the grant. Applications are due by Thursday, Dec. 4, and selected projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.

The Rain Poetry Toolkit and grant guidelines are available at pahumanities.org/rainpoetry. Questions can be directed to programs@pahumanities.org.

Rain Poetry is part of PA Humanities’ statewide mission to spark creativity, strengthen communities, and connect people through the power of the humanities.

This expansion of Rain Poetry has been made possible through the support of Pennsylvania state legislators, whose investment is helping bring this creative initiative to more communities across the Commonwealth. PA Humanities’ Rain Poetry Toolkit and the grant opportunity are also supported by the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the generosity of individual donors.

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Source: bctv