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David A Gaines

He/They

Profile Information

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Primary Discipline: Poetry
Secondary Disciplines: Storytelling • Theatre • Creative Writing • Film
Populations Served: People with Disabilities • General Public • Immigrants / Refugees • LGBTQ+ Communities • BIPOC Communities • Artists / Arts Workers • Adults • Youth
Programs Offered: Community Arts Programs • In-School Residencies

Personal Values

Poetry is the Motherland of all artistic expression.

Training & Experience

TIPTA Certifications: Trauma Informed Practice for Teaching Artists (Live)
Year Certified: 2024
Experience Level: 2-5 years

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Bio

David A. Gaines (he/they) is a poet, director and actor born and based in Philadelphia. His work examines Blackness, masculinity, Christianity and mental health through an intersectional lens.

As an award-winning, nationally touring poetry performer and Poet Laureate of Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County, his work has been featured in several publications including The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, VICE Media, Button Poetry, among many others. In 2025, his forthcoming sophomore poetry manuscript, “CECIL”, was selected as the first runner up for the AWP Donald Hall Poetry Prize.

Dave’s films have screened at film festivals such as the BlackStar Film Festival, Gary International Black Film Festival, National Black Arts Festival and the International Video Poetry Festival.

When not writing, performing or orchestrating films, you can find Dave teaching poetry in Philly public schools, spending time with nature and attempting a conversion to morning personhood.

Arts. Community. Transformation.

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