ARTiculation at Arsht – free slam poetry event

ARTiculation at Arsht 2021 – Photo by WorldRedEye.com. (Courtesy Arsht Center)

Calling all local poets! It’s time to shine.

The Arsht Center presents their 2nd annual free slam poetry event curated by poets Deborah Magdalena and Just John, featuring hosts Ingrid B and DJ She-J Hercules.

Jairo Ontiveros, Vice President for Education and Community Engagement, Arsht Center. Photo by Justin Namon, ra-haus. (Courtesy Arsht Center)

Jairo Ontiveros, Vice President for Education and Community Engagement at the Arsht Center says, “One of the things that I find very beautiful about spoken word is the interpretation. We have always worked through poetry at the Arsht Center because it is important to amplify and give space to those who have words that dive deep into the soul.”

Poetry and spoken word play such pivotal roles in culture. The goal of this event is to keep this art form and storytelling alive within the community. There is a wide variety of things that need to be unpacked in the area; through poetry, artists will be able to highlight the monumental locations they call home, showcase the power of words, and connect people through the art form.

Deborah Magdalena. Photo by Moment (courtesy Arsht Center).

“I’m excited because I do not remember where there was ever a slam poetry competition in the Miami area that offers an incentive like this one. It’s awesome!” says Magdalena. “The power really lies in our words. To be heard and to share is what makes this event crucial to attend. It is a safe space. Poets, do not be shy to sign up because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!”

The Arsht invites poets to sign up to perform their original works for a chance to win a cash prize up to $1,000. The chosen poets will perform live at ARTiculation at Arsht: Summer Slam Edition on August 20th, 2022. Poets may enter this lottery system from now until August 1st.

Individuals and slam teams (of four or less people) can register for a chance to compete here.

In addition to the major prize of $1,000, the winning poets will also get $500 for second place and $250 for third.

Just John. Photo by Ayni Studios (courtesy Arsht Center).

John smiled from ear to ear as he explained, “As an artist I believe that it is our responsibility to speak on what is going on in the world from our lens. Even if the poet touches one heart in the crowd, they have done their job. Which is why we are incorporating many poets in the Miami-Dade community through a program called Avenues of Art Miami. I hope this inspires others to share who they are and where they are from.”

Poets across Miami-Dade County will perform works about their city in pre-recorded films as part of ARTiculation at Arsht: Summer Slam Edition. Downtown Miami, Little Haiti, Liberty City, South Beach, Homestead, Kendall, The Everglades, and Miami Gardens are among the cities that are represented.

Follow along with the series of short films curated for the event on Instagram @ArshtCenter

WHAT: ARTiculation at Arsht: Summer Slam Edition
WHERE: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
WHEN: 7p.m. August 20th, 2022
TICKETS: Free Entry
INFORMATION: www.arshtcenter.org

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