#PoeticChallenge now open for ALL poets & spoken word artists

We have a love for discovering and showcasing talented, undiscovered spoken word acts from across the UK especially. That is why we are excited to announce the brand new Poetic Challenge for 2022! That’s right – we will be giving poets an opportunity to grace the stage with Chris Webb and Ezekiel, Jasmine Simms and Jazer Willis live at the PIA London Summit on 7th May.

Sponsored this year by Bible Society, the competition will commence today, after being announced on Premier Gospel last month on 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 #PoeticChallenge will offer UK poets the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in a 2 – 3 minute original piece.

The theme for the challenge is THE WORDand poets are asked to help us re-imagine the way we story tell the written word, through spoken word. This could be a celebration of what the Bible means to you, or a spoken word based on a Bible passage, person or theme.

“The Poetic challenge is a great platform for upcoming poets in the UK to showcase their stuff. 2019 was such a good standard and we’re excited to see more Bible inspired spoken word this year!” (Dai Woolridge – Bible Society)

With over 35 entrants last in the challenge (pre-pandemic) the competition was very popular with a huge audience of emerging creatives from the UK and across Europe. Paul Syrstad emerged the winner and opened the PIA London event to standing ovation with his poem ‘God’s Story – Breath of Life’.

“Last time 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:

Video Submission Period – April 5th – 13th

SUBMISSION

  • Submit a 2-3 minute video piece inspired by the theme “The Word
  • UKCC & Public Voting: Friday 15th April – Tuesday 19th April (8 to go through)

SEMIFINAL

  • All 8 semifinalist go through to live event to kick off Poetic Festival
  • All 8 pieces to be filmed for upload as soon as possible after event

FINAL

  • Bible Society + PIA Artists determine 3 finalists and the ultimate winner
  • All finalists videos will be left viewable on the website

The runner-up and winner will be announced at PIA London Summit on 7th May 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, Ezekiel Azonwu, Chris Webb, Jasmine Sims, Jazer Willis on 7th May in London at the Dominion Centre in Wood Green.

SUBMIT YOUR #POETICCHALLENGE VIDEOS/MP4 TO POETIC@ASTEPFWD.COM BY MIDNIGHT 13TH APRIL

With hundreds of tickets already gone for what looks set to be a sold out PIA London show after 2 years away, feel free to tag every local poet you know and let’s get this challenge going! The Poetic team want to hear from YOU!