COVID truly has brought out my appreciation for even the smallest joys in my life. And when bigger joys appear, like being able to gather with local poets again, I embrace them.
The Edmonton Poetry Festival is back this year with a 10-day schedule. Events include poetry workshops, lunch-time meetups, book launches, open mic sessions, and more. Apart from a slight change on the venue list due to COVID restrictions, this year’s festival also reflects on the “New Normal” and how it affects the voices in Edmonton’s poetry community.
“Every poet is in a different place, but we all have quite different orientations toward the world we live in now. Thus, new styles in poetry,” says Shima Robinson, the artistic producer of Edmonton Poetry Festival.
While hardcore local poetry lovers find no stress packing up their all-in schedule, Robinson has curated recommendations for first time attendees. Join in “Inclement Weather,” a two-part event with a workshop and reading, on April 30th at Latitude 53. Or take part in any of the book launches to pick up fresh new reads in welcoming environments.
Robinson expects a more interactive and inclusive approach to next year’s Edmonton Poetry Festival, as she looks forward to developing sequel events with more community engagement.“We understand that our community is massive here, and there are parts of the community that we need to continue to reach out to.”
Check out authors and headliners, and the full schedule of the Edmonton Poetry Festival, April 22 – May 1.
