Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center

Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, a Venice institution since 1968, stands as a testament to the power of words and art. Founded by George Drury Smith as an experimental literary magazine, it quickly evolved into a dynamic space for writers, poets, and artists to connect, create, and share their work.Housed in the historic 1906 Venice City Hall, Beyond Baroque offers a diverse array of literary and arts programming. From poetry readings and writing workshops to art exhibits and community events, the center provides a platform for both established and emerging voices. Its bookstore boasts an impressive collection of new poetry books, while its archive houses over 40,000 small press and limited-edition publications, chronicling the history of poetry movements in Los Angeles and beyond.Beyond Baroque has played a pivotal role in shaping the Los Angeles literary landscape, nurturing talents such as Dennis Cooper, Wanda Coleman, Tom Waits, Exene Cervenka, and Amy Gerstler. It has also hosted renowned artists like Patti Smith, Michael McClure, Dana Gioia, and Viggo Mortensen. The center's long-running Wednesday Night Poetry Workshop, established in 1969, remains a vital space for poets to hone their craft and connect with fellow writers.