★ Featured · Poetry
SAT · DEC 14 · 7 PM
The ILL List
Modesto's poetry slam invitational. Eight finalists, one champion, $1,500 in prizes.
The State Theatre
RSVP →
★ 2026 SEASON
SPRING GRANT CYCLE OPEN
★ THE 2026 IMPACT REPORT IS LIVE
APPLY NOW
★ FOLLOW @MAMODESTO
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
★ 2026 SEASON
SPRING GRANT CYCLE OPEN
★ THE 2026 IMPACT REPORT IS LIVE
APPLY NOW
★ FOLLOW @MAMODESTO
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Vol. 02 / Issue 04 · Modesto, CA
— Est. 2024 · A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
A NEW movement IN ART.
From poetry to hip-hop, film to photography across 10 disciplines — we elevate the artists making Modesto's culture impossible to ignore.
See What's On →
★ Opening Night
The State Theatre, 2024
200+
Events
per year
per year
10
Art
disciplines
disciplines
$50K
In grants
awarded
awarded
— Live Now
2026
season
season
— 01 / Manifesto
We're building the next great arts scene — one event, one artist, one weekend at a time.
— 02 / Three Non-Negotiables
What we do, every day.
Build community
We connect artists across disciplines and generations — building the cultural network this city has always deserved.
Celebrate people
Working artists on real stages. Modesto's poets, painters, comics, musicians on full blast.
Elevate art
Grants, mentorship, masterclasses, showcases — every resource we can hand artists.
— 03 / What's On
The 2026 season lineup.
Music
15Jun
Let's Go Bananas
A neighborhood porch party with Neon Radio. Bubbles, disco ball, free.
Music
12Jul
ArtBash Showcase
A revue of local bands, painters, and performers sharing one stage. Free entry.
Poetry
22Sep
Open Mic Night
Five-minute sets. Eight performers. Sign-ups at the door, all welcome.
— 04 / Spotlight
Read the Story →
A perfect 10, every year.
Once a year, eight of Modesto's best poets take the stage at the historic State Theatre to compete for the title of ILL List Champion.
A crowd of 1,000+ shows up to score every round. It's the loudest poetry night in the Central Valley.
8
Finalists
$1.5K
In Prizes
1,000+
Audience
— 05 / The Archive
From the front row.
— Music
Porch Nights
— Theatre
Standing Ovation
— Audience
Packed House
— Music
Opening Act
— Workshop
Cafe Night
— 06 / Our People
Partners & co-conspirators.
The venues, nonprofits, schools, and businesses building Modesto's cultural future alongside us.
— 07 / Stay Close
Join the movement.
One letter a month. All the good stuff — events, artist features, behind-the-scenes. No spam, ever.