After discovering and showcasing an array of some of the most talented, undiscovered spoken word acts across the UK, we are excited to announce the PIA Challenge is BACK for 2019! That’s right – for yet another year, we will be giving you an opportunity to grace the stage with Janette…ikz, Joseph Solomon, Preston Perry, Chris Webb and Ezekiel live at the PIA Tour, London.
Sponsored this year by Bible Society with Spoken Truth, the competition will commence today, coinciding with UNESCO’s World Poetry Day – a time where the art of spoken word is celebrated on an international scale. In line with last year, the #PIA2019Challenge will offer UK poets the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in a 3 – 5 minute original piece on any subject matter.
Entrants will also have their submission featured on the astepfwd.com platform, with the UK Christian Chart Judges and the public involved up to the final stage. The process will run as follows:
Dai Woolridge of Bible Society and Spoken-Truth said, “Spoken Word is a great tool for telling stories today. We’re excited to see some UK storytellers weave words poetically, powerfully and profoundly”.
With over 55 entrants last year the competition was very popular with a huge audience of emerging creatives from the UK and across Europe. Young female poet Storm Stanley emerged the winner and opened the PIA London event to rapturous applause with her poem ‘Men Are Trash’.
“Last year was bananas! We can’t wait to see the fire that you all have got this year!” says PIA poet Ezekiel.
As with last year the video submissions will be published on astepfwd.com with the UK Christian Chart Judges and the public involved up to the final stage. The process will run as follows:
First Video Submission Period – March 21st – 30th
STAGE 1
- Submit a 3-5 minute original piece any subject
- Voting begins – Thursday 4th April | Voting ends – Thursday 11th April (15 to go through)
STAGE 2
- Second Video Submission Deadline – 13th April
- Submit a 1-2 minute themed piece “God’s Story”
- Voting begins – Tuesday 16th April | Voting ends – Tuesday 23rd April (5 to go through)
STAGE 3
- Three finalists will be selected, followed by the ultimate winner
- All finalists left viewable on website
The winner will be announced by 29th April and will get the chance to perform live on stage at the PIA Tour London show which will also feature top international Christian spoken word artists, Janette…ikz, Joseph Solomon, Preston Perry, Chris Webb and Ezekiel at their command performance on 4th May in London at the Dominion Centre in Wood Green.
SUBMIT YOUR #PIA2019CHALLENGE VIDEOS/MP4 TO MEDIA@ASTEPFWD.COM BY MIDNIGHT 30TH MARCH 2019
With hundreds of tickets already gone for what looks set to be sold out PIA show in a new venue, feel free to tag every local poet you know and let’s get this challenge going! The PIA team want to hear from YOU!
Click the flyer below to purchase your London ticket today. Bigger & Better & more Bananas in 2019!
