Unveiling the Academy of Intentional Magic: A Creative Commons for Artists

A New Horizon for Creative Expression

The Academy of Intentional Magic (AIM) has made its debut, heralding a new era for artists, writers, and creatives. Building upon the rich legacy of the Poetry Barn, which has been a beacon of poetic innovation for nearly two decades, AIM seeks to broaden its scope by welcoming a diverse range of artistic disciplines. At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that artistic work is a visible manifestation of love, echoing the words of Kahlil Gibran that have resonated with founder Lissa Kiernan since her youth. This philosophy underscores the Academy's mission to provide a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish across various forms and mediums.

Poetry remains a fundamental aspect of AIM's identity, yet the Academy now embraces a wider spectrum of artistic practices. The focus is on fostering interdisciplinary exchanges, where the intersection of different perspectives can lead to transformative artistic experiences. This spirit of collaboration and discovery is embodied in Murmurations, AIM's online community designed for sharing works-in-progress, exploring creative inquiries, and offering a platform for discoveries.

An Ecosystem for Artistic Growth

The Academy of Intentional Magic offers a comprehensive ecosystem that supports artists through eight interconnected areas. These include a vibrant online community for networking and collaboration, and educational opportunities such as Curated Studios, Craft Labs, and Circles that continue the tradition of AIM's innovative online poetry workshops. Furthermore, mentoring is readily available through a consortium of master mentors, offering artists the chance to engage in anything from single consultations to long-term relationships.

The Academy's publishing arm offers artists the opportunity to share their work through its press and journal, while a library with over 4,000 volumes of poetry provides free access to a wealth of literary treasures, including rare and out-of-print titles. For those seeking immersive experiences, AIM hosts retreats and community-wide arts events led by master teaching artists. Additionally, AIM's outreach initiatives include partnerships with high schools, delivering multidisciplinary arts workshops and education that inspire the next generation of creatives.

Invitations to Create and Collaborate

Reflecting its inclusive philosophy, AIM makes no distinction between art and craft, or between formal and popular traditions. This openness is evident in its fall offerings, which traverse themes of myth, wonder, and the stars. Among these offerings is "Sky Writing: Write Your Own Horoscope," a workshop led by somatic astrologer Cory Nakasue, which invites participants to explore horoscopes as a creative and symbolic art form.

To celebrate Labor Day, the Academy extends an invitation to artists to share their evolving works in Murmurations, with no expectation of polish. This open call encourages sharing anything from a messy draft to a nascent idea. Additionally, AIM invites teaching artists to propose future offerings that align with the Academy's ethos of creative exploration and exchange.

As AIM opens its doors to the world, it stands as a testament to the power of intentional creativity. By nurturing a community where art, imagination, and mystery intertwine, the Academy of Intentional Magic offers a sanctuary for artists to grow, learn, and connect.