The Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation in collaboration with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, is excited to announce the launch of THE ART OF CONVERSATION—a vibrant new series that will host discussions and performances with some of the most prominent figures in literature, theater, dance, and music today. This inaugural talk show before a live audience will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM, featuring renowned poet Tara Betts at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, which is situated in the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis. This series will occur quarterly and is hosted by Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen.
The Spring launch of THE ART OF CONVERSATION will feature Tara Betts, an award-winning poet, professor, and poetry editor for The Langston Hughes Review. With her mixed-race heritage, Betts possesses a profound insight into race and intersectionality, frequently addressing themes of identity, resilience, and social justice in her poetry. Alongside her numerous publications and several poetry collections, Betts has a rich background that includes being a former slam champion who represented Chicago at the National Poetry Slam on two occasions, having her poetry adapted to a stage play as well as being a Cave Canem alum. She has also made television appearances on Def Poetry Jam and the Black Family Channel series, Spoken.
LeFlore-Ituen, the executive director of the Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation (SBLF), is a New York Times bestselling author, producer in television and film, arts advocate, and cultural curator. She will demonstrate her skills as a producer and storyteller by serving as the interviewer in THE ART OF CONVERSATION, presenting in a natural, engaging, and approachable style. The series will be recorded and shared on multiple online platforms.
Drawing inspiration from formats like Inside the Actors Studio and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, each episode of THE ART OF CONVERSATION will delve into the creative journeys, inspirations, and societal influences of its featured guests, while also showcasing performances by local musicians from various genres to create an acoustic atmosphere. This series will take place within the context of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation’s exhibitions, starting with the current show, Veronica Ryan: Unruly Objects (March 7–July 27, 2025), during its inaugural episode.
Save the date and join us for an unforgettable evening of poetry, music, and deep conversation.
Event Details:
THE ART OF CONVERSATION @ Pulitzer Arts Foundation
April 24, 2025 @ 6:00 PM
Pulitzer Arts Foundation
3716 Washington Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108
w: https://pulitzerarts.org/events/art-of-conversation/ | t: 314.754.1850
Free Entry & Free Parking
