Silvana Melo’s work exists at the edge of what is written, sung, and spoken. As a poet and songwriter, her primary medium is storytelling. Silvana seeks to recreate the intimacy of kitchen storytelling on the page, on the stage and in all the spaces in between. Her work is influenced by Portuguese fado, writers who mix the palettes of language, and the natural world. Silvana has been described as having her "feet on the ground and head in the clouds" and her work "a juxtaposition of lightness and depth."  

 

As an expansive artist, Silvana has published work in Solidarity, a Rhode Island-based zine centering on social justice. She has  participated in various songwriting rounds and writes a monthly newsletter on Substack.  Silvana is the creator of the Incantation poetry and prompt deck. The deck is a collection of original poems linked with thematic prompts. Incantation is based on the conversational nature of writing, the ripple effect of creative work, and the alchemical properties of words.  

 

In August 2023, Silvana was the recipient of a FRACC placemaking grant, which she used to collaborate with two other songwriters to create a hybrid artist showcase and writing workshop. The event centered around shared themes in their work and allowed for audience participation. In December 2023, Silvana collaborated with a guitarist and dancer to create a featured performance of original poems set to music and modern dance. In 2024, Silvana was the recipient of a MassMoCA Assets for Artists Capacity Grant as well as a Mass Cultural Council grant.