We've reached our goal! Does that mean it's over?
No way - we've reached our _minimum_ amount we need to run the festival, but with more funding we can pay our volunteer photographer, web designer and technician. We'd love to see the campaign hit $1,500 - think we can do it?
What is the Victoria Spoken Word Festival?
VSWF is an ensemble festival that pushes emerging poets beyond the edge of spoken word. The festival brings 12 poets together for 4 intense days of workshops in art forms other than spoken word. Then the ensemble collaborates with their amazing new knowledge and creates something out of this world.
This is the second year for the VSWF. We sold out all our shows last year and so this year we've expanded from 3 days to 4 full days of programming. Last year we received funding through the Awesome Shit Club, a local dragon's den and local sponsors. This year, we decided to reach out to you - our online community.
Why does it matter?
In Canada there are very few opportunities for young poets who want to grow beyond the Slam scene. This festival offers emerging artists tools to develop their skills, a network of other poets to collaborate with and the confidence and space to try something outrageous.
What We Need
We need $1000 to cover all the extra costs of running a festival - promotions, printing, t-shirts, web design and technicians, and all the crazy things that happen that need duct tape (ex. last year it snowed in Victoria in February and we had to bring in extra heaters!).
We don't receive any government grants, and this festival is produced entirely by volunteers. We believe this festival is vital to the growth and development of spoken word in Canada and we want to build something awesome. But we need your help.
What You Get (and How to Get Involved)
EVERYONE who invests will get an exclusive link to the livestream of the final show with performances from Poet of Honour Chris Masson and the entire festival ensemble. You'll get to see beyond the edge of spoken word.
By supporting this festival you'll be part of a spoken word movement that is growing exponentially in Canada right now. You'll also get cool stuff like limited edition trading cards (collect all your favourite poets!), handmade buttons, poetry chapbooks, and personalized video poems.
You can also help by telling your friends about our project. Tell your neighbours. Tell your grandma. Yeah, we know we're called 'Not Your Grandma' Poetry' but we think even grannies will like this. :-)
