The Word Travels program, established in March 2005, brings the culture and excitement of the Calgary International Spoken Word Festival to Calgary high schools.   This poets-in-schools program presents an innovative approach to literacy, taking advantage of the accessibility and vivacity of Spoken Word Poetry to speak to students in their own language, introduce them to the rhythms of literature and show them that poetry is alive and vibrant in Calgary!

Throughout the year, Alberta poets are available to visit high schools for readings and Q&A sessions.  This year, we are proud to present Wakefield Brewster, Möe Clark, Nancy Jo Cullen, Jordan Manuel Dack, Melanie Haywood,  Gregory Scofield, Bob Stallworthy and sheri-d wilson, available year-round for school visits.

Also this year, we are very excited to announce our first foray into bilingual schools!  Les Mots en Fête offers students the chance to meet local writers actively working in French.  In partnership with RAFA (Regroupement artistique francophone de l’Alberta), we are pleased to offer Tchitala Kamba, Nadine Mackenzie, Denise Ouellette, Suzanne Ouriou, and Gisèle Villeneuve for readings and presentations in French.

Since the Word Travels/Les Mots en Fête program is a branch of the Calgary Spoken Word Society, we also have the unique opportunity to bring acclaimed out-of-town poets to Calgary high schools.  In November, we are holding a special tribute event for legendary Canadian poet/painter/performer bill bissett.  He is available for school visits November 13-17, 2006.

The fourth annual Calgary International Spoken Word Festival takes place in April 2007 (National Poetry Month), bringing dozens of thrilling poets from across the continent.  A list of poets available for school bookings will be released in January 2007, so keep your eyes peeled!

This program is meant to complement schools’ existing curricula, so our staff will be happy to communicate with teachers and administration to make sure students get the most out of every poet’s visit.

If you would like to involve your school in the Word Travels program, please contact Sheri-D Wilson at sheridwilson@shaw.ca or at (c) 403.686.4292

We look forward to working with you!

Our Artists

sheri-d wilson
Bob Stallworthy
Gregory Scofield
Nancy Jo Cullen
Möe Clark
Jordan Dack
Melanie Haywood
Wakefield Brewster