Programs

Vancouver Poetry House is an umbrella organization dedicated to the development of the literary and poetic arts in Vancouver. We have some rad programs, and all of them fit into this mandate – here’s how!

Vancouver Poetry Slam
The Vancouver Poetry Slam happens on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of every month at Café Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Drive). Over the years, the VanSlam stage has been home to performance poets, comedians, and storytellers from all over the world. Anyone can sign up to slam, making performance poetry accessible and inclusive to everyone.

Word Play
There can be no poetry without poets to write it! To this end, the Wordplay program was established to bring performance poetry to students across the Lower Mainland. The Wordplay program brings performance poets into schools to run fun and interactive poetry workshops, and to bring a new generation of poets into the spoken word community. Wordplay also provides opportunities for established poets to hone their craft and develop artistically through their role as mentors in the program.

Vancouver International Poetry Festival
(formerly the West Coast Poetry Festival)
The Vancouver International Poetry Festival unites the best of page and stage, a fusion of the written and spoken word, celebrating some of the most talented writers and performers from across Canada. (More info to follow…)

Artistic Development
So you’ve started writing poetry – now what? The Artistic Development program is kind of like the US Army, teaching you how to be the best that you can be! Well, except without the buzz cuts and push ups and barracks and machine guns. The Artistic Development program will feature exciting workshops and master classes designed to turn good writers and performers into phenomenal writers and performers. (More info to follow…)