Activity: Blackout Poetry. Led by Drexel's Creative Arts Therapy Department, this is a hands-on workshop exploring how artistic expression can serve as a therapeutic tool for emotional resilience, self-exploration, and social healing.

Blackout poetry is not just about words; it’s about discovering meaning within existing structures. It encourages us to see potential where others might see chaos or confusion. The process of finding and framing words mirrors how we sometimes make sense of our own lives—by focusing on what matters and letting the rest fade away.

In the context of Kurt Vonnegut’s exhibition, blackout poetry aligns beautifully with the theme of "Empathy in Urban Spaces: Cities That Care." Just as Vonnegut’s work often highlights overlooked sources of support and critiques societal apathy, blackout poetry challenges us to reclaim narratives from texts that might otherwise go unread or unnoticed. It’s about revealing hidden truths and reflecting on how care can emerge from unexpected places.

This Blackout Poetry Activity offers participants a creative space to reflect on how urban environments—through community spaces, art, and unexpected acts of kindness—serve as hidden infrastructures of care that sustain us. By transforming found text into poetry, participants will explore how empathy emerges from unexpected places and how words can be reimagined to express healing, connection, and support.

Through this process, we’ll draw inspiration from Vonnegut’s powerful exploration of empathy and resilience, as well as his belief in the importance of creating art as a means of making life more bearable.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP