POETRY SLAM

Friday, November 8

Art Loop: Poetry Slam
Friday, November 8 | 6-9 pm, Doors at 5:30pm
Collingwood Arts Center | 2413 Collingwood Blvd.
Get ready for a night of powerful poetic performance! This celebration of spoken word and poetry – held in the historic Collingwood Arts Center – spotlights talented local and regional performance poets and spoken word artists. The evening’s centerpiece is a live poetry slam competition, complete with guest judges and top prizes. Participate or cheer on your favorites! Between rounds, enjoy live music by the Soulful Collective, Flyku and Poetry on Demand, a garden of verses and a poem photo booth. Hosted by The Arts Commission with Lucas County Poet Laureate Jonie McIntire, and emceed by Toledo artist Kay Renee. Free and open to the public. Snacks and beverages available for purchase. Click here to apply. Closes October 13 at 11:59 pm

Interested in competing? Here’s what to expect:

  • Three (3) rounds + judging. Winners move to the next round

  • Three (3) minutes max per poet per round 

  • Original poems written by each participant 

  • Poems in rounds 2 & 3 must be memorized

  • Content appropriate for all ages

  • No props

Prizes:

  • First place: $500

  • Second place: $300

  • Third place: $150

Eligibility: 

  • At least 16 years of age

  • (Residents of Lucas and Wood Counties receive priority consideration)

Application:

  • Opens October 2. Requires submission of two (2) original poems.

  • Closes October 13 at 11:59 pm


Spaces are limited to 20 participants. Submitting an application does not guarantee participation in Poetry Slam. Confirmed registrants will be notified by October 28

******************

A Poetry Slam is a competitive poetry event in which performers are scored and winners are determined by total points. Slam is a composite genre that combines elements of poetry, theater, performance and storytelling. The genre’s origins can be traced to Chicago in the early 1980s. Since then, Poetry Slams have been held in venues throughout the world.* Art Loop: Poetry Slam features independent visiting judges from Detroit, Ann Arbor and Cleveland.  

* Adapted from Poetryfoundation.org