About

"We cannot create what we can't imagine."

– Lucille Clifton

The Clifton House continues the legacy of poetry, art, activism, and community that began with Lucille and Fred Clifton. By providing craft and business training, networking opportunities, and a safe and beautiful space (in-person, hybrid and virtual) to imagine, we honor our commitment to serving their legacy and the community for years to come.

Our Mission

The Clifton House's mission is to continue the legacy of acclaimed poet Lucille Clifton and community activist Fred Clifton by providing mentorship, local and global resource access, training, and development in the creative arts to underrepresented and underserved people of all ages in the Baltimore and surrounding communities, with particular focus on Afrodiasporic, female, and gender non-conforming LGBTQA+ poets,

writers, artists, and creative activists.

(Image Description: A photograph of the main floor entryway room of The Clifton House. A small multicolored rug is on the wooden floor. Several antique pieces of furniture are arranged throughout the room with framed photographs and memorabilia on them. In the far right corner lies the fireplace with more framed items on the mantle. The walls are painted white. Two large windows frame the blue wooden front door. An antique gold metal and glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling, lighting the room.)

(Image Description: A photograph of the workshop room in The Clifton House on the main floor. The wooden paneled walls are painted white. The wooden floors reflect light cast by the white ceiling fan with glass-covered lights mounted on the ceiling. Through the rattan blinds of the single-pane windows, trees are visible. There are three closets at the back of the room with folding white wooden doors. Multiple drafting tables and chairs are placed in rows facing the front of the room. At the front of the room is a conference-style desk and chair for an instructor. The room is currently unoccupied.)

Our Vision

The Clifton House’s vision is to ensure that emerging storytellers of all ages are equipped with resources to thrive in their respective artforms regardless of formal training.

The Clifton House celebrates diversity and inclusion of all marginalized and protected groups

and does not discriminate or bias according to sex, race, age, disability, color, creed, national origin, religion, or genetic information.

"You might as well answer the door, my child, the truth is furiously knocking."

– Lucille Clifton