Join IWC to hear what local poets, musicians, and other writers have to offer!
Inspired Word Café (IWC) is getting ready to launch its fifteenth season with a series of open mic and open slam events.
The open mic is for anyone to perform music, poetry, stand-up comedy, a sketch, or any genre you can think of to share in our positive space. The open slam invites people to come prepared with three original poems in any style to compete in rounds to win cash prizes.
IWC has been running these public events for the last fifteen years, a testament to the fact that there is immense support from the local arts community.
“Last season we increased the number of events we offered, and could not have been happier with the results,” says Cole Mash, IWC Executive Director. “The lineups at the door for people to sign up shows us that this is something our community wants, and we are thrilled that we can offer these opportunities for local poets and artists.”
The Kickoff Open Mic event is scheduled for Thursday, October 3rd at BNA Burger at 7:00 pm, and will run on select Thursdays for the rest of the season. BNA Burger offers a minor-friendly environment, with both food and drink served during our events. The space is wheelchair accessible and offers single user, gender neutral washrooms.
IWC is also doing a call for spoken word poetry from the Okanagan for an anthology to be printed for their 15th season.
“Sharing on stage is just one part of being a poet or writer and so we wanted to create more opportunities for our local community through publication,” says Erin Scott, IWC Board President.
For the last fourteen years, IWC has been hosting monthly events where local poets can share their writing in a live setting. The idea to create an anthology of spoken word poetry was a natural progression for the organization.
The Inspired Word Prize and Anthology aims to celebrate the power of spoken word poetry within the Okanagan region, encompassing the vibrant communities from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm, and Keremeos to Lumby. This anthology project will put together a curated collection of poetry that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our local poets—juried by IWC collective members, board members, and staff. The top three will receive cash prizes: first prize: $250; second prize: $150; third prize: $100.
Scott adds: “We are excited to offer this opportunity to local writers, which will provide an archive that we can share and promote for years to come of the vibrancy here in the Okanagan.”
For a full schedule of events and to find out more about the anthology prize, visit www.inspiredwordcafe.com
IWC programming is supported by the City of Kelowna, British Columbia Arts Council, the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBC Okanagan, and BNA Brewery.
Kinfolk, a local music duo, performs at an IWC open mic during Season 14. Photography by Travis Andrews.
Brittany MacLachlan, a local writer, performs at an IWC open mic during Season 14. Photography by Travis Andrews.
Media Contact: Britt MacKenzie-Dale, britt@inspiredwordcafe.com
About IWC
Inspired Word Café Society (IWC) is a community arts-organization that provides accessible, low-cost literary and performance art programming (including events, education, and mentorship) for local writers, performers, and word lovers from many walks of life, including youth and other equity deserving groups across the Okanagan.
We believe that participation in the literary and performing arts is not only a right for everyone, both as consumers and to creators, but is also a vital part of the creative and emotional well-being of our local community.
Find out more at www.InspiredWordCafe.com