Some say a picture is worth 1,000 words.

This winter, the Nuyorican Poets Café brings its iconic poetry events to ICP for a series of open-mics with a photographic twist! This installment of “1,000 Words” will take place in ICP's cafe. Registration in advance strongly recommended.

How It Works

5:30 PM 
Check in. The open mic list is open for all attendees, sign up onsite, first come, first served.  

6:00 PM 
Performances begin. Each performer is allowed 3 minutes. 

7:30 PM  
End of performances. 

The 1,000 Words Open Mic series is hosted by Brian Acosta Arya every other month at ICP. 

About the Nuyorican Poets Café

Over the past 50 years, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe has served as a global home for groundbreaking works of poetry, music, theater and visual arts. A multicultural and multi-disciplinary institution, the Nuyorican gives voice to historically marginalized poets, actors, filmmakers and musicians, having launched the careers of countless legends. The Nuyorican champions the use of art & poetry as means of empowerment and social change. Our community of spectators, artists and students is a reflection of New York City’s diverse populace, with Allen Ginsberg calling the Cafe “the most integrated place on the planet.”

About the Host

Brian Acosta Arya is an artist, actor, comedian and content creator who also moonlights as a motel manager in New Jersey. In the past 4 years alone, Brian has amassed almost 1 million subscribers across social media mainly on TikTok where he shares his life story through what he calls “visual poetry”. U.S Senator Corey Booker, actor Michael Imperioli, and the American Idol herself Kelly Clarkson call themselves fans.