The Poetry Lab

The Poetry Lab is a Los Angeles-based literary organization founded in 2017 by poet and educator Danielle Mitchell. It emerged from a desire to create a more inclusive and experimental space for poetry, one that prioritizes process over product and community over competition. The Lab offers workshops, reading series, and publication opportunities, with a particular focus on amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized in literary spaces. Its ethos is rooted in the belief that poetry is a vital tool for personal and social transformation, and that rigorous critical engagement can coexist with radical accessibility. Central to The Poetry Lab's mission is ART SICK Magazine, an online journal that showcases poetry, essays, and hybrid work exploring the intersections of art, illness, and healing. The magazine reflects the Lab's commitment to publishing work that is formally adventurous and emotionally resonant, often dealing with themes of mental health, disability, and care. Through its programs, The Poetry Lab fosters a supportive yet challenging environment where writers can take risks and develop their craft without the pressures of traditional literary gatekeeping.