Inspired Word Prize (and Anthology): a spoken word contest!

The Inspired Word Café is calling for spoken word poetry from the Okanagan for an anthology to be printed for our 15th season. 

The Inspired Word Prize 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 seeks to curate a collection of poetry that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our local poets.

A jury of IWC collective members, board members and staff will jury all submissions to choose the top twelve submissions to be printed in the anthology. The top three will receive cash prizes: first prize: $250; second prize: $150; third prize: $100.

Deadline to apply: July 7, 2024. 

Submission Fee: $10 for members, $20 for non-members

Need to purchase a membership? Click HERE 

(note, if you purchase a membership now, it will be valid starting September 2024 for the IWC Season 15. If you are a current member, please pay the member submission fee, and remember that you can renew your membership in September when our season starts up).

Please go to the SUBMISSION FORM to submit your poems and pay the fee.



Team Heroes or Team Villains: You decide!

Team Heroes or Team Villains: You decide!

The much-anticipated Inspired Word Café (IWC) Team Slam event is coming up on March 28th at BNA Brewing. Team Heroes and Team Villains will compete with their poetry to see who will reign victorious. A slam is a competitive event where poets perform original works to a lively and engaged audience.

The event is designed to foster high calibre performances, new work by local poets, and an interactive and rowdy night of fun for the audience. “Unlike other poetry events, a slam is interactive, with the audience playing a key role as the judges for the competition,” explains Ken Shaw, IWC collective member and one of the hosts of this year’s contest. 

Read More

Writing workshops offer space to develop your own work

Writing workshops offer space to develop your own work

In addition to running the open mic series, which offers a space for writers to share their poetry, writing, music, and more, Inspired Word Café (IWC) collective members also run writing workshops for anyone to share their work and receive in-person and direct feedback. 

“Attendees are asked to bring 10 printed copies of a piece of writing, not to exceed two pages, to be reviewed by an inclusive and positive group of fellow writers,” explains IWC collective member and workshop facilitator, Ryan Ennis.

Read More