Poets interested in competing must send a email to "[email protected]" with POETRY in the subject line. Poets compete in three rounds of performance poetry judged by 5 randomly selected members of the audience. Poets interested in competing must send an email to ‘[email protected]’ with 'POETRY' in the subject line. We send you a confirmation email with the rules and expectations to help you compete. Our mission is to provide a space for local writers/artists/performers/etc. to explore and perfect their own craft. Our commitment is community. We welcome persons of any and all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, abilities, ages, etc. As writers and literary critics, we value freedom of speech and thus do not limit, moderate or otherwise censor any content, and so there is a blanket trigger warning for all events. However, we strive to create a constructive atmosphere of equality, sensitivity, and progress, one that encourages discussion and actively opposes marginalization of any person or group. Our goal isn’t tolerance of diversity, but it's empowerment and alliance. The Downtown Poetry Slam is made possible by the help and support of ARIZONA LATINO ARTS AND CULTURE & ARIZONA BARRIO STORY TELLING. Arizona Latino Arts And Culture not only has paintings, but they also have a gift shop where you can come and shop from all the options to choose from. The Downtown Poetry Slam is hosted by Francisco Torres, the poet in residence from the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture & also from Arizona Barrio Story Telling. Francisco Torres is an entrepreneur and activist that struggled with epilepsy since he was a small child. Often told that he could not go to work and that he should be on disability because the general public still does not understand what to do in the event of a seizure., he has prevailed in the face of adversity. Today, people like Francisco are called “Epilepsy Warriors”.
“But it’s all among ourselves to make the first move and complete the first task. You might not have support from friends nor family, but with you making that change among yourself you are letting them know that you don’t need them nor anyone to make a difference. You can either be paralyzed for what life gives you, and let the pain pile up on you and let it paralyze you for good, or you can make a difference. People are always going to judge and say “You Can’t Do It” and that’s where you stand up and prove them wrong and say “Yes I Can”. - Francisco Torres
Our venue is Arizona Latino Arts And Culture 147 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
