The Academy of Intentional Magic (AIM) has officially launched, expanding the nearly two-decade legacy of the Poetry Barn into a broader commons for artists, writers, teachers, and creatives. The new platform, announced today, aims to support creative work across disciplines, building on the Poetry Barn's history of pioneering online poetry workshops since 2007.
Founder Lissa Kiernan, citing Kahlil Gibran's aphorism "Work is love made visible," explained the ethos behind the Academy: "For artists, that work is often what we can't stop returning to — the poem revised for the tenth time, the scale practiced ad nauseam, the scrappy xeriscape garden. That's the spirit behind the Academy." Poetry remains central to AIM's mission, but the organization now embraces artists of all kinds, fostering interdisciplinary exchange.
AIM provides a comprehensive ecosystem for working artists, encompassing eight interconnected areas: an online community for networking and collaboration; education through curated studios, craft labs, and circles; mentoring from a consortium of master mentors; publishing opportunities via its press and journal; free public access to a 4,000-volume poetry library; immersive retreats; and outreach partnerships with high schools. This structure is designed to support artists at every stage, from initial inspiration to publication.
The Academy's fall offerings reflect its inclusive philosophy, wandering through myth, wonder, and the stars. Among the first is "Sky Writing: Write Your Own Horoscope," a workshop with somatic astrologer Cory Nakasue, running September 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6–8 p.m. ET. The workshop approaches horoscopes as a creative and symbolic form, blending interpretation, storytelling, and poetry.
To mark Labor Day, AIM is inviting artists to share works-in-progress in its online community, Murmurations. The invitation encourages participants to post anything from a messy draft to a half-finished painting, a melody, or even a seed of an idea. In keeping with AIM's philosophy, there is no expectation of polish; the Academy wants to see work "while it's still becoming." This call underscores the importance of process over product, a core value of the organization.
The launch of AIM is significant for the creative community, as it addresses a growing need for accessible, multidisciplinary support systems. By integrating education, mentorship, and publication under one roof, AIM offers a model that could influence how artists and writers develop their craft. The emphasis on online community and remote learning, honed through Poetry Barn's earlier workshops, positions AIM to reach a global audience, potentially democratizing access to high-quality arts education.
For individual artists, the implications are immediate: the opportunity to connect with peers, receive guidance from vetted mentors, and find outlets for publication. For the broader industry, AIM's interdisciplinary approach may encourage cross-pollination between fields, leading to new forms of creative expression. As the Academy continues to grow, it invites teaching artists to propose practices or learning modules, ensuring that its offerings evolve with the needs of its community.
Programs are now available at www.academyofintentionalmagic.com, where artists can explore the full range of opportunities and join the Murmurations community.
