iAM Poetry: Writing for Liberation

 

This iAM Poetry: Writing for Liberation is an 8-session workshop that will be in person from JAYU at 401 Richmond Street West in studio 380. This program will focus on all the ways that poetry can be used to speak to social justice and human rights, and how it has been throughout history.

NOTE: The iAM Program prioritizes registration for equity-deserving artists/communities. Equity-deserving is inclusive of Black and racialized folks, people with disabilities, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (2SLGBTQ+), newcomers to Canada and people experiencing homelessness or precarious housing.

If you have any questions please contact Desiree Mckenzie at desiree@jayu.ca

Registration CLOSES on April 3, 2024

Program Mentor:

Joshua “Scribe” Watkis has devoted himself to the gift of storytelling. Using Spoken Word and Hip-Hop, the Scarborough born poet has performed across Canada, opening for Hip-Hop legends like Saukrates and The Roots. He was a four time finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, winning the national championship in 2019. Scribe has authored two chapbooks, and was featured on the first Spoken Word Audiobook on Audible: Power In Poetry; Moods That Move. Most recently, he curated and hosted ‘The Old Black Maple’, a Spoken Word concert for the NAC’s debut Hip-Hop Theatre Festival.

Scribe is an Arts Educator, a member of the Up From The Roots collective and the Rapper/Producer duo S.O.A.P. By sharing his story he hopes to gift his audience the courage to do what he calls the “bravest act on Earth.”. To share their own stories, in their words, out loud.

Program Details:

  • April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 27, June 3

  • 6:30 - 9 pm

  • Food and TTC tickets will be provided at each session.

  • No prior poetry experience is necessary

  • Must agree to attend each workshop for the full 2.5 hours

  • Must be between the ages of 12-29

  • Access to apply for paid opportunities including being hired as a junior mentor for future iAM Poetry workshops upon completion of the program

Workshop Locations:

*NOTE: Registration does not confirm your spot in the program, you will be notified of next steps.

  • Before registering, please review the program dates and overall time commitment to ensure this program best suits your schedule.