Epilogue: Open Mic Poetry & Prose
Celebrating the literary community
January 8, 2026
5:00-7:00 pm
📍Gramz Bakery, Downtown Columbus
Join us at Gramz Bakery for a special celebration of Open Mic Poetry & Prose. We’re bringing together past featured poets, longtime participants, and new voices for an evening honoring the creativity and community that have grown from this gathering.
We will reflect on the work that’s emerged over the years and celebrate Skye for her leadership. As we close this chapter, we will look to the community that has been formed to carry the spirit forward and offer micro‑grant opportunities to support future poetry and literary arts programs.
Come read, listen, connect, and help us shine a light on the stories and voices that have made this series so meaningful.
Update: Open Mic Poetry & Prose
After years of bringing poets and writers together, we’ve concluded the Open Mic Poetry & Prose series. We’re grateful to everyone who shared their voices and helped build community through this gathering.
To deepen our impact, we’re now focusing resources on strengthening capacity within our local literary and creative community — including new micro-grant opportunities and support for emerging programs. Thank you for the energy, words, and stories that made this chapter meaningful.
For Those Reading
This event is held in a public setting, so please keep language to a PG-13 level. If you have questions related to this, please contact us.
For Those Listening
Note: Due to the open format, this event may involve topics or language that may upset some listeners. Discriminatory language (based on race, religion, sexual identity, origin, age, disability, or genetic information) will not be tolerated. Recommended age 14+
Poetry & Literary Arts Grants
Columbus Area Arts Council is offering seed money to support local poetry and creative writing initiatives.
These $250–$750* micro-grants are designed to:
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Foster networks that connect writers, readers, and literary arts organizers
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Encourage group meetups, open mics, collaborative events, and workshops
Eligibility
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Individuals, informal collectives, and organizations based in the community are eligible to apply.
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Projects should primarily be geared toward adults (18+) and must take place in a public location. All events must be free and open to everyone.
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Projects must impact one or more of these counties: Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland (Indiana Arts Commission’s Region 9).
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In order for religious institutions to be considered, they must have explicit policy or policies in place that align with CAAC's Cultural Equity Statement.
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Note: Applicants are encouraged to consider accessibility when planning their program, understanding that these grants are small seed investments and that full accessibility may not always be possible.
Eligible Expenses
Grant funds may support supplies and materials, facilitation or artist fees, promotion, accessibility needs, and other direct project costs.
Review Criteria
Proposals are evaluated based on community impact, accessibility considerations, clarity of concept, and feasibility.
Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis throughout the year, with funding resetting each January. Funded projects must begin within six months of award, with a brief grant report due within 18 months.
Acknowledgment
Columbus Area Arts Council must be credited as a funder of the project. Use of the CAAC logo is encouraged when possible.
Grant Report
Recipients are expected to submit brief documentation of the project, such as photos, attendance numbers, and a short written reflection.
*Grant recipients are responsible for reporting and paying any applicable taxes. For awards of $600 or more, the Columbus Area Arts Council will issue a W-9 as required.
