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CapitalSlam.com is the home of the Capital Poetry Collective online. Here you will find information about local spoken word artists, upcoming poetry events, and the selection process for this year's Ottawa team entry for the 2006 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word in Toronto. Capital Slam is Ottawa's monthly slam poetry series. It was founded in October 2004 by Elissa Molino and Greg "Ritallin" Frankson, two members of the team that represented Ottawa at the 2004 Canadian Spoken Wordlympics. A small group of volunteers (the Capital Poetry Collective) runs the monthly Capital Slam shows. A typical monthly show begins with a short open mic session, followed by one round of slam poetry (maximum 12 poets per night). After a short intermission, the featured performer entertains the audience, then the final round of slam is held to crown the Monthly Champion. The winner of the slam claims a cash prize. The top four poets over the course of the 2005 − 2006 season will represent Ottawa at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word (formerly the Canadian Spoken Wordlympics), slated to be held in Toronto in fall 2006. Capital Slam is officially registered with the Spoken Word Canada Network, the sponsoring organization for the CFSW. Slam is an inspiring cultural event, and it represents a modern revival of the oral poetic tradition. Slam has been a source of inspiration for spoken word artists from many different paths of life. Poets are given three minutes to deliver original poems in any style. No props, music, or costumes are allowed. Judges are randomly selected from the audience, rate each poem with scores from zero to ten. Best poets qualify to the second round; best poet in the second round is the overall winner. Poetry slams have enjoyed unprecedented growth in the U.S.A., Canada, and Europe. Slam poetry is now being recognized as a legitimate art form by the public, funding agencies, and the entertainment industry. Numerous slam poets today produce and sell poetry CDs, DVDs, create theatre performances, and participate in major festivals. Slam poetry is no longer a novelty. Last year, slam poets for the first time put together a Broadway show, and it received amazing reviews. The poetry slam has enjoyed great growth and has made an unprecedented mark on the North American cultural scene. Despite all this hype, the most raw and inspiring version of slam can be found at local slam events. Local slams create communities, and provide space for people to voice their opinions in creative ways, nourishing the emergence of some wonderful talent Local slams and small regional slam competitions remain the roots and the grounding for this aspect of the art of spoken word. The Capital Poetry Collective (CPC) is a group of dedicated volunteers who are supporters and/or practitioners of spoken word poetry. The aim of the Collective is "to produce series, showcases and artistic initiatives that advance the awareness of and interest in performance poetry in the National Capital Region." The Collective will endeavour to provide the following: * Organization − The CPC will plan and stage poetry series and showcases for spoken word artists in the National Capital Region (such as Capital Slam). * Collaboration − The CPC will seek to incorporate other art forms – such as music, visual art and dance − into its programming to expose spoken word audiences to diverse forms of artistic expression and build linkages within the local arts community. * Diversity − The CPC will encourage the participation of artists of all cultures, backgrounds, experiences and persuasions to participate in its programming and initiatives. * Community Involvement − The CPC will seek to include diverse local groups (such as youth, GLBT, ethnic communities, francophones, etc.) and community serving organizations in its work. * Advocacy − The CPC will, on behalf of its members, speak publicly about the need for greater public and private support for the arts in Ottawa, with a particular focus on performance poetry. The CPC is currently sponsoring the following initiatives and events: Capital Slam − Ottawa's slamtastic monthly poetry series Slammaster: Elissa Molino and Danielle Gregoire Second Thursday of every month at the Thirsty Scholar (126.5 York St in the market) The series is Ottawa's premier poetry slam event with out of town features at every show. Capital Slam is registered with the Spoken Word Canada Network (SpoCan) and sends a team to the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word each year. Merchandising Program − purchase poetry products at CPC events At CPC poetry events, members of the public can purchase CDs, chapbooks, posters, etc. produced by local artists. 100% of revenues generated from sales are remitted directly to the artists. Secondary School Outreach Program − under development Coordinator: Danielle Grégoire Various schools/community venues in the National Capital Region This program will engage Ottawa's spoken word artists in local high schools and community settings to introduce a new generation to slam poetry. Talented Tongues Erotic Poetry − a step away from the norm to the naughty Coordinator: Queenie Tyrone Held once a year at Venus Envy (320 Lisgar Street at Bank) This event will provide a space for those who want to share their erotica and poetry on sexuality-related topics. |  | |
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