Australian Poetry Slam events at Libraries Tasmania strengthen community and empower people to express themselves through poetry.
Tasmanians took centre stage in September with Australian Poetry Slam events at public libraries.
Performers took the mic and wowed the audience with powerful two-minute poems. The events supported poets to share their stories, build confidence and be creative in a vibrant, supportive space.
Workshops and heats were held in Burnie, Rosny, Launceston, Devonport and Deloraine.
Tasmanian State Final
On Sunday 22 September, Hobart Library hosted the Australian Poetry Slam – State Final, at the Ground Floor, State Library and Archives of Tasmania Building.
The event featured 125 poetry lovers, performers and a live DJ. Thirteen finalists selected from heats held in Burnie, Rosny, Launceston, Devonport, and Deloraine took to the mic to deliver two-minute poems.
Amongst the performers were three under-18 performers and several others under 25, showcasing the powerful voices of Tasmania’s emerging generation.
Congratulations to Ava from the Rosny Library heat, winning second place; and Dylan, representing Devonport, who won third place.
And congratulations to Tasha, a wildcard finalist from the Rosny Library heat, who took out first place. Tasha will perform in the National Final at the Sydney Opera House in October.
Hosted by Miles Merrill, founder of Word Travels and pioneer of Australian poetry slams, the event featured guest performances by Hani Abdile, Yvonne Gluyas, and Rob Waters, the 2023 national poetry slam co-champion.
With raw emotion, rousing ovations, and electrifying wordplay, the State Final proved once again that poetry has the power to move hearts and minds.
