West Midlands
Who I Am
My name is Bohdan Piasecki, and I am the new Programme Coordinator for the West Midlands; I’m based at The Drum, in Birmingham. I’m only just settling into my new role, but I look forward to working with artists and audiences to promote spoken word poetry, bring great acts to the West Midlands, and show off our poets to the rest of the UK – and, why not, the world! The West Midlands are home to many talented performers, devoted promoters, and poetry lovers who support them. My plan is to work with these communities throughout the region to provide poets with as many platforms to present their work as possible. I also hope to create opportunities for them to inspire new voices, by helping them develop both as artists and as educators.
Where We Are
Spoken word really is an important element of the West Midlands cultural scene. Take Birmingham, for example: Benjamin Zephaniah was voted the city’s favourite poet, and the title of poet laureate has regularly been bestowed on artists working in performance, such as Spoz, Dreadlock Alien, and Charlie Jordan; the current laureate, Adrian Johnson, is no stranger to the stage himself. And so, unsurprisingly, there already is a number regular events showcasing spoken word for you to choose from. From open mics, like Coventry’s Night Blue Fruit or PureandGoodandRight in Leamington Spa, to carefully programmed showcases like Rhymes, in Birmingham, it should be easy to find something in your neighbourhood. Of course, I will be working to set up a number of new events, too, so do keep your eyes peeled for new and exciting poetry nights, coming soon to a venue somewhere surprisingly close to you.
What I Can Do For You
If you’re a poet, I would love to talk to you. Whether you are new to the scene and looking to develop your talents, an experienced performer on a quest for gigs, or a creative mind looking for a challenging project, I will do my best to help you. I cannot guarantee anything, as my time and resources do have their limits; however, odds are I will at the very least be able to point you in the right direction, and help you find workshops, contact venues, or develop your ideas. I would also love to simply find out more about your work – so send me links to your website, bring me a CD, or just come for a chat and tell me what you have been up to. In fact, whatever might be weighing on your mind, get in touch! My email address is bohdan@applesandsnakes.org.
And if you need poets to perform at your event, to teach a workshop at your school, or for (almost) any other purpose, I would be happy to help. Simply drop me a line or give me a call: together, we can work out exactly what you need, and I will try to put you in touch with the right performers.
http://wordra.in
http://raymondantrobus.blogspot.com/2010/06/q-with-poland-and-uk-based-spoken-word.html
The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG
0845 521 3460
Select this link for Apples & Snakes events in the West Midlands
