Beyond Baroque Literary Foundation | Application Preview
Beyond Baroque Literary Foundation is requesting government funding for termite extermination to preserve its historic facility in Venice, California. As Los Angeles' oldest literary institution, established in 1968, the center serves as a vital hub for literary arts, known for its poetry readings, community events, workshops, and publications. With a mission to support writers and foster a diverse literary community, Beyond Baroque provides valuable resources including performance space, publication opportunities, a bookstore, gallery, and an extensive archive of rare and small press materials.
The organization plays a key role in nurturing both emerging and established voices, and has been home to influential figures like Amanda Gorman and Wanda Coleman. Its signature Wednesday Night Poetry Workshop is the longest-running free event of its kind on the West Coast. Unlike commercial ventures, poetry lacks a competitive market, making the center’s contribution to cultural enrichment all the more essential. With over 55 years of consistent service and community impact, Beyond Baroque stands out as a unique, longstanding institution deserving of support to maintain its facilities and continue its mission.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 95-2748922
Location: Venice, CA, United States
Length of Operation: 11plus
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: $100k to $250k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
Termite Extermination
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Business Plan
More poetry readings, community events, publications. Beyond Baroque's mission is to promote and nurture the literary arts through diverse programming, community engagement, and support for writers. They aim to cultivate new writing, expand public knowledge of literature and art, and foster a diverse literary community. Beyond Baroque also focuses on providing a space for the exchange of challenging ideas and promoting cross-disciplinary collaborations. Beyond Baroque provides resources for writers, including readings, workshops, bookstore sales, publication opportunities, access to archives, and performance space.
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Self Identified Competition
Poetry is not a very competitive business. Beyond Baroque, located in Venice, California, is known as Los Angeles' oldest continuously operating literary institution. Established in 1968 by George Drury Smith, it started as an experimental literary magazine and quickly evolved into a center for readings, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings. Over its more than 55 years of existence, Beyond Baroque has fostered the development of numerous poets, writers, and artists, including notable figures like Wanda Coleman, Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Dennis Cooper, and Amanda Gorman. The center's mission is to promote public awareness and engagement in the literary arts, offering diverse programs and serving as a platform for new and diverse voices. Its long-standing Wednesday Night Poetry Workshop is considered the longest-running free event of its kind on the West Coast, according to LAmag. Beyond Baroque's influence extends beyond workshops and readings, it also includes a bookstore, the Mike Kelley Gallery, and an archive of over 40,000 books, including small press and limited-edition publications that document the history of poetry movements in Los Angeles and beyond. The center has also played a role in cultivating artistic communities, supporting emerging artists, and providing a space for creative collaboration and connections. We have been around for 55 years.
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Contact Applicant
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