2008 Programs and Events

English Language Youth Poetry Slam Promotes Self-Expression

December 10, 2008

Poet and professor of creative writing at Nebraska State University, Matthew Mason visited Belarus for an intensive seven-day program on “American Contemporary Poetry” and “Slam as an Art of Performance.” A poetry slam is a competitive event where performers recite original work and are judged on both delivery and content. Mason’s presentations spurred active discussions ranging from slam management to popular American poets. The English Language Youth Poetry Slam Grand Finale, the first poetry slam ever in Belarus, was dedicated to Human Rights Day. Under the motto “Exercise Your Right 2 Self-Expression,” the slam involved over 40 poets from all over Belarus, aged 15 to 25.
Mason reached over 350 individuals, including librarians, English teachers
and university and high school students, at events at the Minsk Central Children’s Library, Minsk American Corner, the Minsk State Linguistic University and the Minsk Institute of Modern Knowledge.

All poems submitted during the period will be accessible here.

The English Language Youth Poetry Slam Grand Finale with host Matt Mason (December 10, 2008)