What is a Poetry Slam?

Just in case you are wondering what a poetry slam actually is - here is the lowdown:

•A poetry competition with a live audience. •The contestant has two minutes to impress the judges with their own original word artistry – using spoken-word, poetry, hip-hop, monologue and even story, contestants can choose to speak, sing, scream, rap, howl or whisper their words. •Poetry Slam heats are limited to 20 contestants. •Five judges are picked randomly by the host who throws gifts into the audience. Whoever catches the gift is a judge. •Five judges hold up score cards and give performers marks out of 10. Only the middle three scores for each performance are calculated. •The judges decision is final. •The performer with the highest score wins. •Two winners only from each heat will compete in a state final, to be hosted from State and territory libraries. •If contestants tie for a place, there will be a "slam –off" to decide the winner. •Heat winners secure a place in the State Final at the State Library of NSW on 13 November, 2009. •The grand final will be held in Sydney on 3 December, 2009 at the Sydney Opera House. Poetry Slams have had popular appeal in the US for over 20 years. The interest in the dynamic art form has increased in Australia in the past four years. The Australian Poetry Slam 09 is an initiative of the State Library of NSW, and is supported by state, territory and public libraries and festivals across the country. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding & advisory body. For more information about the event please contact Cowra Library on 6340 2180 or Central West Libraries Reading and Writing Coordinator Jasmine Vidler on 6393 8125.