Mission Statement
The Aesthetic Underground exists to nurture and encourage
emerging Central Illinois literary artists ages 12-19
by allowing them an opportunity
to experiment and succeed in their craft
and providing a network of mentors.
What We Do
The Aesthetic Underground is a literary arts education program for Central Illinois teens. We frequently feature Illinois authors and small press publishers, and offer workshops covering a wide range of subjects, styles and genres.
How We Do It
Other than having this website to link us all together, The Aesthetic Underground is intentionally decentralized. Teens meet in small groups in coffee shops, libraries, schools, churches and other locales throughout Central Illinois for the purpose of building a community based on the mutual passion of creative writing, as well as to receive the mentoring of those more seasoned in both the craft and life. We frequently feature Illinois authors and small press publishers, and offer workshops covering a wide range of subjects, styles and genres. Sometimes this means we network with other local writers' groups to accomplish our mutual goals of education and mentoring.
The Point is not the point...
...the point is the poetry! While we understand not everyone attending The AU was born a bard, poetry nevertheless holds a special place in our hearts. As a result, The Aesthetic Underground will function as an official poetry slam organization as soon as there are enough members to do so; at which time we will be eligible for our 501(c)3 non-profit status as a chapter of Poetry Slam Inc.
For details on any of the workshops offered,
please contact hc@aestheticunderground.org