From ancient times, poetry has been seen as a source of entertainment, energy, joy, and positive emotions. It is a universal art form present in every society. The Edmonton Poetry Festival is a celebration of poetry in all its diverse expressions. This event engages people from across the city, inviting them to participate both as creators and as an audience, regardless of age or cultural background. More on edmontonski.
The festival collaborates with a variety of individuals and organizations to create a vibrant poetic community in Edmonton. Participants include publishers, writers, community organizations, schools, and many others. The founders aim to connect poetry with other forms of art and aspects of life.
The festival seeks to inspire growth and enhance the quality of work created by Edmonton’s talented artists. It also invites international artists to inspire, educate, and motivate attendees. The Poetry Festival serves as a bridge, built through the human voice, art, and language, offering each person a chance for growth and self-expression.
How It All Began
The festival was founded in 2006 by renowned award-winning writer Alice Major and an organizing committee representing a wide range of poetry groups in the city. Significant support came from TELUS, and the Victoria School of the Arts hosted an exceptional poetry day featuring performances by numerous well-known local writers in the school’s theater.
One unique element of the festival was “concrete poetry,” with verses written in chalk on Sir Winston Churchill Square. This was the first literary event of its kind, gathering more than 50 writers.
By 2007, the festival received generous funding from the Cultural Capital Program, which supported projects aimed at fostering poetry within communities and among young people. In 2008, the festival shifted from September to April and began offering writing workshops.
In 2010, the team expanded with the addition of talented contributors, and Major secured substantial funding to establish the festival on a stable foundation.
In 2011, a unique Night of African Poetry was introduced, featuring profound verses alongside a fusion of jazz and poetry. Attendees also enjoyed wine tastings during the readings.
The Growth of the Poetry Festival
The festival continued to evolve, offering activities such as word sketching, engaging workshops with writers and artists, and explorations of queer poetry. It also introduced the first bilingual French twist. In 2012, Ryann Doucette became the Executive Director, leading the festival to gain international recognition.
By the following year, acclaimed poets from across Canada attended the event. Themes like poetry and blues took center stage, accompanied by luncheons with laureates and book presentations. Some participants also introduced discussions on queer poetry.
The year 2018 marked a significant milestone, as the festival expanded its scope to include the poetry of Indigenous peoples. Christian Campbell led workshops and shared insights on human connection and ancestral ties.
In an interview, Doucette highlighted the festival’s value for those who cherish poetry and literature. It provides a platform for individuals to showcase their talents and present completed works to gain recognition.
Open to All
Anyone can participate in the festival for free, and there are no selection criteria. It’s a welcoming space for all who wish to engage with poetry, whether as creators or enthusiasts.