The Academy of Intentional Magic (AIM), a new creative learning platform, announced its launch this week, expanding on the nearly twenty-year legacy of the Poetry Barn. AIM aims to create a broader commons for artists, writers, teachers, and creatives, integrating eight interconnected areas: Community, Education, Mentoring, Publishing, Library, Retreats, and Outreach. The platform is designed to support working artists through a holistic ecosystem that addresses both the creative and practical aspects of an artistic life.
Founder Lissa Kiernan, who has led the Poetry Barn since its inception, explained the vision behind AIM: "Work is love made visible," she said, quoting Kahlil Gibran. "For artists, that work is often what we can't stop returning to — the poem revised for the tenth time, the scale practiced ad nauseam, the scrappy xeriscape garden. That's the spirit behind the Academy." Kiernan emphasizes that while poetry remains central to AIM's identity, the organization now welcomes artists of all kinds, especially those working at the intersections of disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach is fostered in Murmurations, AIM's online community where members can share works-in-progress, ask questions, and engage in creative dialogue.
AIM's comprehensive offerings include curated Studios, Craft Labs, and Circles for education, a vetted mentoring consortium, publishing opportunities through its press and journal, and free access to a library of 4,000 poetry volumes. The platform also hosts immersive retreats and partners with high schools to deliver multidisciplinary arts workshops. By making no distinction between art and craft, or formal and popular traditions, AIM aims to create an inclusive environment where a classical form and a rock lyric are held with equal seriousness.
The fall schedule at AIM begins with workshops that explore themes of myth, wonder, and the stars. One of the first offerings is "Sky Writing: Write Your Own Horoscope," a workshop led by somatic astrologer Cory Nakasue, running on September 8, 15, 22, and 29. The workshop approaches horoscopes as a creative and symbolic form, blending interpretation, storytelling, and poetry.
To mark Labor Day, AIM is inviting artists to share what they are working on in Murmurations — whether it's a messy draft, a half-finished painting, or just the seed of an idea. The invitation comes with no expectation of polish, reflecting AIM's philosophy of valuing the creative process. "We want to see the work while it's still becoming," Kiernan said. AIM is also currently seeking teaching artists to propose practices, experiences, or learning modules for future offerings.
The launch of AIM signals a growing trend in the creative industry toward comprehensive, supportive platforms that address the needs of artists beyond just skill development. By offering mentoring, publishing, and community, AIM positions itself as a one-stop destination for artists seeking to sustain their practice. For business leaders, this model highlights the importance of creating ecosystems that support the whole person, not just their immediate output.
For artists, the platform's emphasis on interdisciplinary work and its inclusive approach may provide new opportunities for collaboration and growth. The Academy's programs are now available at academyofintentionalmagic.com, where artists can explore the full range of offerings and join the community.
