Poetry lovers unite! Prepare to be amazed by the incredible creative talents of youth poets at this year’s Verselandia! Youth Poetry Slam Championship happening on April 25 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Presented by Portland nonprofit Literary Arts and hosted by Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani, this event encourages and celebrates the young voices in our community.

"Verselandia is an important event because it gives us both a window into the beautiful imaginative recesses of the young folks in our communities and the chance to be given a greater understanding of what our youth are carrying—the things they love and fear and are saddened by and empowered from—and what in their worlds that draw them closer; all while also being given the opportunity to easily support and show up for them, and to stand with anyone in our city who takes a step towards embracing vulnerable spaces."

A panel of five judges will score each student on a scale of one to ten, rating both the writing and the performance. No props, music, or costumes can be used, and the poetry must be original.

Olivia Jones Hall, Director of Youth Programs at Literary Arts, says, “Events where young people are centered are important for everyone to see. These students are brilliant, creative, and so, so courageous to share their art with the world. I think it’s important for the Portland community to hear what is on the minds of young people: what they experience, what they care about, and how they see themselves. While Verselandia! is ultimately a competition, the core of the event is elevating young voices, and helping these poets feel seen and heard. The caliber of the work shared at Verselandia! is outstanding, and in many cases, this may be the only opportunity many audience members have to hear it.”

While poetry topics vary from student to student, guests at the event can expect to hear student poems that reflect what excites them, scares them, frustrates them, or makes them feel joyous.

“It’s an incredible outlet for any number of experiences and emotions,” Jones Hall explained. “We always expect to hear sociopolitical content, because young people, contrary to what may be popular belief, are aware of what is happening in the world, as they are just as affected by it as adults. Audience members can expect to hear poems about love, family, and self-discovery as well. There is always such a broad variety of topics.”

Members of the public are invited to cheer on students at this year’s event. Tickets to the event are just $15 and can be purchased here. Tickets for people 17 and under or 18 with a valid student ID are free.

Verselandia! was founded by Portland teacher-librarian Nancy Sullivan in 2005 and has been presented by Literary Arts, in partnership with Portland Public School librarians, since 2012. The event is a great reflection of the organization’s strong youth programming and the generous support of community partners. This year’s sponsor is Broadway Books, with in-kind support from Finn Partners, OPB, The Oregonian, and Willamette Week.

Jones Hall shared, “Verselandia! is an expression of all aspects of Literary Arts’ Youth Programs—it speaks to our relationships with the incredible teacher-librarians and other educators who coordinate this work in the schools, it elevates young voices in a major public venue in the city, and it offers young people an opportunity to create, share, and be honored and appreciated for their work.”

Learn more about Literary Arts and their programs here.