In celebrating World Poetry Day, March 21, UNESCO recognises the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. aStepFWD joined in the observance by earlier this week announcing the #PIAFreedomChallenge with the timely theme of “What Does Freedom Mean To You”.
Adopted during UNESCO’s 30th session held in Paris in 1999, one of the main objectives of the World Poetry Day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.
The observance of World Poetry Day is also meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in the media, so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity.
“Poetry is a window onto the breath-taking diversity of humanity.” — Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General
Poetry reaffirms our common humanity by revealing to us that individuals, everywhere in the world, share the same questions and feelings. Poetry is the mainstay of oral tradition and, over centuries, can communicate the innermost values of diverse cultures.
The #PIAFreedomChallenge offers UK poets and spoken word artists the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in a 1 – 2 minute original poem on what freedom means to them especially in these “… crazy times… with a lot of talk about the political climate, social injustice” and more according to PIA poet Ezekiel.
After the submissions are reviewed and finalists selected, the published piece that gets the most likes. comments and shares will get the chance to perform live on stage with the four top international Christian spoken word artists, Janette…ikz, Jackie Hill-Perry, Preston Perry and Ezekiel at their double bill performance on 15th April in London. (Manchester date set for 14th April now cancelled with tickets valid for any London show)
With close to a thousand tickets already gone for what looks set to be a sold out PIA shows, lets make this whole week World Poetry Week, as writers all over the UK engage in a conversation on Freedom.
Tag every local poet you know and let’s get this challenge going! The PIA World Tour team want to hear from YOU!
Submit #PIAFreedomChallenge to media@astepfwd.com by midnight 25th March, 2017.
Click the flyer below to purchase your London ticket today. This will be an event to remember!
