WordSpace

When poet Robert Trammell founded WordSpace in 1994, his goal was to provide public exposure for North Texas writers and to see that they got paid for their participation. 

From inception, WordSpace has produced programming celebrating the diversity of the local literary community, championing those voices that explore creative language in both traditional and experimental forms. Since Robert Trammell’s passing in 2006, WordSpace has continued to honor his vision by expanding support for local writers and their interactive opportunities with national figures. Through partnerships with Dallas Cultural Centers, arts groups, local galleries, bookstores, and theaters, we place literary programs in diverse neighborhoods throughout the city.

WordSpace has presented nationally prominent writers such as Andrei Codrescu, Laurie Anderson, Anne Waldman, Nikki Giovanni, Saul Williams and Booker Prize winner James Kelman. Early programs included Robert Creeley, Ed Sanders, a forum of sports writers, panels and readings with internationally-based women writers, and musical events featuring Townes Van Zandt and Scottish writer Duncan McLean’s Lone Star Swing. 

Presently, Dallas enjoys an explosion of public literary events. We are delighted to support the emergence of fresh voices in the literary scene. We hope our ongoing 25 years of fusion between visiting and local writers will place literary arts on a par with the nationally recognized visual and performing arts in Dallas. WordSpace is honored to be recognized by the Dallas Observer as a recipient of the 2015 MasterMind Awards.