Poet Aubrey Barnes Awarded French Writing Residency

Barnes, a Midwest-based artist, continues to share his uncompromising voice through poetry, mentorship, and community initiatives.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Aubrey Barnes, a nationally known poet based in Rock Island, Illinois, was recently awarded a writing residency in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Barnes, who describes himself first as a thinker, has spent over 23 years cultivating his relationship with writing, starting from an unconventional introduction to poetry through rap and battle rap as a youth. Despite facing obstacles as a Black artist pursuing poetry professionally in the Midwest, Barnes has found success through mentorship, community initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to honesty in his work.

Why it matters

Barnes' story highlights the challenges that artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can face in establishing their craft and finding recognition, particularly in regions where the arts may not be as prioritized. His journey also demonstrates the power of mentorship, community-building, and an uncompromising artistic vision to overcome these obstacles and continue sharing one's voice.

The details

During his recent writing residency in France, Barnes was able to shed the external expectations and identities he carries in the US, allowing himself to simply be human and focus on creating honest, visceral work. This experience has reshaped his artistic priorities, moving him away from the pressure to impress in spoken word and slam spaces and towards a greater emphasis on sharing truth. Back in the Midwest, Barnes continues to build creative community through his initiative Young Lions Roar, which offers workshops, school partnerships, open mics, and public events.

  • Earlier this year, Barnes was awarded the writing residency at Chateau Orquevaux in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France.
  • Barnes has been cultivating his relationship with writing for over 23 years, starting from an unconventional introduction to poetry through rap and battle rap as a youth.

The players

Aubrey Barnes

Also known as 'Mister Aubs,' Barnes is a nationally known poet based in Rock Island, Illinois who has spent over 23 years cultivating his relationship with writing.

Chris Britton

A fellow poet whom Barnes calls his 'brother in poetry,' who has pushed him creatively and influenced how he works with youth.

Black Chakra

A spoken-word poet who has provided mentorship and recognition to Barnes.

Dr. Haki Madhubuti

A spoken-word poet who has provided mentorship and recognition to Barnes.

Young Lions Roar

A creative empowerment initiative founded by Barnes that offers workshops, school partnerships, open mics, and public events in the Midwest.

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What they’re saying

“As an artist, I would describe myself as a thinker — someone who observes the world both outwardly and inwardly and does my best to articulate that world. I first try to make sense of it for myself, or challenge myself through it, and then offer it to my audience.”

— Aubrey Barnes, Poet (watershedvoice.com)

“My responsibility is honesty. Complete honesty.”

— Aubrey Barnes, Poet (watershedvoice.com)

“In the Midwest, where arts infrastructure can be limited, we have freedom to experiment. We brainstorm, implement, try things, fail and try again.”

— Aubrey Barnes, Poet (watershedvoice.com)

What’s next

Barnes plans to continue building creative community through his Young Lions Roar initiative, incorporating the interdisciplinary perspectives he gained during his French residency.

The takeaway

Aubrey Barnes' journey as a Midwest-based poet demonstrates the power of perseverance, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to honesty in one's artistic expression, even in the face of obstacles. His story serves as an inspiration for other aspiring artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to continue sharing their uncompromising voices.