Calling all poets and poetry-lovers, we’re hosting the Ballarat Heat of the Australian Poetry Slam 2024: We write revolutions!

Over 1000 writers release wild words on audiences across Australia. Poets break free from their notebook cages landing on a stage near you.

Australian Poetry Slam 2024 (APS ’24) invites you to cheer, snap, hold-up scorecards in this nation-wide celebration of spoken-wordsmiths.

APS ’24 is about unleashing your thoughts; launching mini-revolutions, like a chorus of kingfishers on a mission.

Writers let fly. Alight upon the mic for two minutes. Shout, call out, even softly warble your fresh lit.

Crowds will flock with cheers and hoots. Judges, chosen from the audience, will send two poetic messengers to represent Ballarat in the Victoria State Final!

Poetry Slams and wordshops drop from July to October, converging on the National Final at Sydney Opera House on October 13.

Are you the next APS Champion? Win a prize worth $20,000, including publication and gigs from Byron to Bali and beyond.

Poets must perform in their residing state or territory. Full APS ‘24 rules here: www.australianpoetryslam.com/rules

Featuring Rob Waters and K.J. Hayward.

Rob Waters is the 2023 Australian Poetry Slam Champion. He’s a Gomeroi poet, storyteller, cultural educator and spoken word artist performing and sharing Story for over 20 years. Rob has deep cultural connections to the North West of New South Wales. He is a proud father and grandfather living on Darkinjung Country.

K.J. Hayward is an emerging spoken word artist and 2023 Australian Poetry Slam Co-Champion. In her poetry, she intertwines stories of feminism, youth, mental health and her own journey transitioning from ‘normal’ schooling to Home-school with the rap, rhythm and rhyme of slam poetry.

SCHEDULE:

Doors open/poet sign-up at: 1pm

Slam starts at: 1.30pm

Content warning: Poetry Slams are all ages and some content may not be suitable for children. Performances may include strong language and/or adult themes.

This is a drop-in session; bookings not required. Registering will allow you to receive a reminder closer to the date.