How it started
Poets Wanted was born in 2021, a brainchild of mine and Lígia Reyes while we were soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Krakow, Poland. Driven by a deep love for poetry and a desire to create something truly special, we set out to build a community where poets, artists, and literature lovers could come together.
Our goal was simple: to help people step out of their shells and give voice to poems tucked away in notebooks and drawers. We offered not just a stage for poetry to shine, but a welcoming space where individuals could be heard, embraced, and supported.
It was all about creating a community where artists could connect and help each other grow.
How It went
At each poetry event, Lígia and I would begin by introducing the evening, outlining the event’s flow, and setting the tone for a night of poetic exploration. Our events typically lasted 2 to 3 hours and featured a backdrop of instrumental music, often by Cigarettes After Sex, to create a soothing ambiance. We also provided musical instruments for those who wanted to incorporate live music into their spoken word performances.
Lígia would then kick off the evening with a captivating performance of her own poetry, setting the mood for the night. The first part of the event was then dedicated to those who had registered in advance through our newsletter, which we used not only to stay connected with our growing community but also to keep them informed about upcoming events.
After a 10 to 15-minute intermission designed to refresh and regroup, I would take the stage with one of my own poems, re-energizing the audience for the second half of the event.
The second part of the evening was an open mic session, offering space for those who hadn’t signed up beforehand to share their work. As part of the event’s unique twist, we adopted the slogan “Bring your poem, we give rewards,” offering a cherry vodka shot to anyone who read a poem. For those who preferred not to drink, there was the option to gift their shot to someone in the audience, fostering a warm and interactive atmosphere where connections were made and everyone could enjoy the evening together—while ensuring no one drank to excess.
How it goes
Now that we are back in Portugal in 2024, we are expanding "Poets Wanted" beyond just events. We are thrilled to announce that we are introducing workshops and courses in collaboration with IPDJ Faro, with dates already scheduled for the end of the year. Our next poetry event is set for September 13th, followed by a writing and meditation workshop on September 21st. We are also excited about the possibility of launching writing courses, with our first focused on how to create your own poetry book.
In this new chapter, we’ve replaced the Polish vodka shots with a more therapeutic approach. With mental health becoming an increasingly important topic, we are focusing on emotions, personal development, and the power of writing as a therapeutic tool. We aim to explore how creative expression can help individuals process their experiences and foster personal growth. We’re enthusiastic about continuing to foster a creative and supportive community through this lens, offering new opportunities for artistic expression and meaningful self-reflection.
