WELCOME TO poetry in canada!
This project is a work in progress, and we welcome your comments and suggestions. As Muna Abdi writes, “It is not inclusion if you invite people into a space you are unwilling to change.” This project and website will change as it evolves and as we hear back from you.
poetry in canada recognizes that ‘Canada’ is itself a contested concept and space.
As a settler-colonial state, Canada’s is a history of dispossession of and genocide against Indigenous peoples, and systemic racism against Indigenous and other racialized peoples continues today. We seek not to celebrate the nation as a nation, but rather, to celebrate and uplift the exceptional body of poetic work has been written and spoken in these lands—poetry from a broad range of diverse Indigenous communities drawing upon millennia of story and song, and poetry written by those who, over many generations and continuing today, have immigrated to this place from other lands and written, performed or published their work here. poetry in canada seeks to celebrate and support all of this work, is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity, and understands poetry to be an important medium through which the desire for justice, belonging, and freedom finds expression.
OUR VISION
poetry in canada is a provincially incorporated society dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity of Canadian poetry. We seek to establish a space for writers, educators, visitors, and poetry enthusiasts alike to share, research, perform, and cultivate widespread appreciation for poetry in its many forms.
Our four-phase rollout of educational and outreach initiatives begins with the creation of a digital library and ending with the securing of a permanent facility that will house both a circulating and Special Collections poetry library.
poetry in canada recognizes and celebrates the rich diversity of voices within Canada’s poetry community. But as we work towards our goal of a national poetry centre, our policies, practices, programs, partnerships and premises will not only celebrate but also advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.
poetry in canada acknowledges and respects the worth and dignity of every person. We do not tolerate exclusion and discrimination against any individual or group whether based on age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural or linguistic background, disability, or socioeconomic status.
WHERE WILL THE CENTRE BE LOCATED?
Aside from a large volume of programming content, there are certain tangible components which we feel are essential to the success and sustainability of a poetry centre.
“Vancouver has been an acclaimed poetry centre for over fifty years and continues to incubate and sustain a nexus of internationally recognized poets. The city basks in the language of poetry, a fitting venue for a National Poetry Centre.”
Rich in Literary Heritage
On the nation’s Pacific Coast, Vancouver is rich in its literary heritage with a deep and prolific arts and cultural scene. The province of British Columbia has the highest number of working artists in the country, and the city of Vancouver the largest concentration of artists, per capita. Within Metro Vancouver is one of the biggest conglomerations of poets in the country, with a loyal and enthusiastic fan base.
Active Literary Community
Independent literary publishers abound; there are more per capita than any other province. Writing festivals abound; not only in the city, but they also flourish throughout the province. Creative writing programs abound; they can be found at every provincial post-secondary institution. There is an abundance of literary pursuits on the west coast, not the least of which is poetry.
Internationally Accessible
Vancouver is a destination that is internationally accessible. Prior to the pandemic, both international and domestic tourism numbers were experiencing record year-over-year increases. It is a dynamic city where the municipal government has made a conscious commitment to cultural regeneration. The mayor recently announced a robust 10-year cultural plan, and the city is set to position the arts at the centre of city building. Vancouver is the ideal home for the nation’s poetry centre.
BOARD MEMBERS
If you would like to learn more about our Board Members, please read their full biographies.
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Kerry Gilbert
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Otoniya Okot Bitek
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Stephen Collis
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Renée Sarojini Saklikar
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Rina Chua
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James Gifford
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Theresa Rogers
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JP Baker
WHAT CONSTITUTES A POETRY CENTRE?
In Canada, no national literary institution is located outside the province of Ontario. In a country as geographically vast as ours, this is surprising. A poetry centre established on Canada’s west coast will remind Canadians and the world just how far our country’s literary roots do spread.
Cornerstone Components
Library Space
Space for both a circulating and a Special Collections library, making the broadest repository of Canadian poetry available to poets, scholars, students, academics, and poetry enthusiasts.
Performance Space
Space for audiences to enjoy presentations of spoken word, written, and visual poetry. The centre will also be a venue for lectures, festivals, international poets, and awards ceremonies.
Learning Space
Space for creative writing workshops and poetry appreciation classes in smaller settings, along with the space and ability to host symposia and conferences.
Social Space
Space for visitors, invited guests, students, scholars, and of course poets to meet, mix and mingle in an informal yet socially stimulating environment.
Additional Components
Exhibition Space
Space to exhibit noted Canadian poets’ literary ephemera and memorabilia as well as temporary themed exhibitions.
Poet-in-Residence
Space to accommodate writer-in-residence participants as well as short-term out-of-town or international poets.
Recording Studio
Space where local and visiting poets are interviewed and where recordings of live performances can be edited before uploading or archiving.