About Us
Lighting the Way for Poets Everywhere
Our Story
Spotlight Poetry began in May 2021 as a humble open mic created by founder Elle Hope at Level One Bar, born from a desire to give local poets a consistent stage and a true sense of belonging. What started as an intimate weekly gathering quickly transformed into a vibrant creative hub.
As the audience grew, so did the vision which led Spotlight Poetry to introduce its first monthly poetry slams and form a new competitive slam team for the city. This foundational year marked the birth of a movement.
Between 2022 and 2023, Spotlight Poetry experienced rapid growth and increasing regional recognition. After expanding its events across the city, the organization found a new home at Taverna Costera, where it hosted some of Las Vegas’ most eclectic themed slams. During this time, the Spotlight Poetry Slam Team traveled across the country nd firmly establishing Las Vegas as a respected presence in competitive poetry. Locally, the organization continued building its reputation through consistent monthly open mics, slams, and community-centered events that strengthened its role as a pillar in the Las Vegas arts scene.
In 2024, Spotlight Poetry expanded its educational reach with a new monthly workshop series designed to support poets at every stage of their craft, featuring professional teaching artists from diverse backgrounds. By 2025, the Spotlight Poetry Slam Team made city history by winning Las Vegas’ first-ever regional title at the Chicharra Regional Poetry Slam and later earning third place on final stage at the Bigfoot Regional Poetry Slam. This period also marked a growth in accessible programming as Spotlight Poetry partnered with local libraries to host free showcases, continued its pay-what-you-can open mics, and delivered some of the most dynamic poetry slams in the city.
In the years ahead, Spotlight Poetry aims to grow into a fully realized arts institution dedicated to education, community engagement, and creative opportunity. We envision expanding our nonprofit programming, developing youth initiatives, cultivating regional and national partnerships, establishing a dedicated poetry and performance space, and continuing to uplift the diverse voices that shape Las Vegas. Guided by our core values of Learning, Inclusion, Growth, Heart, and Teamwork, we aspire to build a lasting legacy—one that continues to spread the light of poetry throughout our city and beyond.
L.I.G.H.T
Learning: We believe in the perpetual pursuit of knowledge and the continuous exploration of the vast realms of poetry. We are dedicated to providing a dynamic space where poets of all levels can engage in a lifelong journey of learning, expanding their craft, and deepening their understanding of the art form.
Inclusion: Spotlight Poetry is a sanctuary for diverse voices. We champion an inclusive environment that celebrates the myriad expressions of poetry, creating a tapestry that reflects the richness of human experiences. We stand committed to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for poets of all ages and backgrounds to share their unique narratives.
Growth: At the heart of Spotlight Poetry is a commitment to nurturing the growth of every poet who walks through our doors. We strive to be a catalyst for personal and artistic development, offering resources, mentorship, and a supportive community that empowers poets to evolve and flourish in their craft.
Heart: Poetry is an expression of the soul, and at Spotlight Poetry, we approach our work with genuine passion and compassion. We infuse heart into every aspect of our endeavors, creating a space where poets can connect on a profound emotional level and share the essence of their humanity through the written word.
Teamwork: Collaboration is the backbone of Spotlight Poetry. We believe that poetry thrives in a community that values teamwork, where poets inspire and uplift one another. Together, we forge connections, amplify voices, and create a collective resonance that transcends individual contributions.
