The Ontario Poetry Society's Spoken Word Poetry Festival at Station Gallery

Get ready to experience a night of raw emotion and powerful performances at The Ontario Poetry Society's Spoken Word Poetry Festival at Station Gallery!

Brief Description of Event: The Spoken Word Poetry Festival at Station Gallery is a multifaceted event to celebrate National Poetry Month, the arts, and foster an appreciation for diversity and freedom of expression. This free event is open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted in support of Youth Programs at Station Gallery; an artistic cultural hub located in Whitby, Ontario.

The event consists of the following:

1. Creativity Beyond Workshop - Sound in Poetry and Poetics of Sound workshop by Lillian Allen, 7th Poet Laureate and OCAD U Creative Writing Professor. This workshop will explore how to enliven poetry and poetic voice by incorporating elements of sound as language and language sounds in the writing and reading of poetry.

2. Extended intermission for poets and members of the public to gather, network, enjoy complimentary refreshments, while admiring Station Gallery art. During intermission, poets may discreetly sell or trade their poetry books. Due to space restrictions, no book tables will be provided.

3. Spotlight Feature Poet - Paul Edward Costa. Paul Edward Costa is a poet, spoken word artist, organizer, and teacher. He directs Toronto's Outer Haven Poetry Night series and is a former Poet Laureate for the City of Mississauga. His dedication and commitment to supporting poets of diverse cultural backgrounds is being formally recognized at this event. Paul will read his poetry for ten minutes.

4. Open Mic - Following Paul's reading, poets are invited to read their poetry: one-two short poems or one long poem per person (one page maximum), depending on the number of participants. A sign-up sheet will be available. Poets are encouraged to pre-register for open mic as reading spots are limited. Pre-register at: topsdurhamregionpoetry.gmail.com.

Host/Organizer Bio: Lisa Reynolds is an internationally published writer, with poetry translations in Farsi, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish. Lisa is the 2023 recipient of The Ontario Poetry Society's Ted Plantos Memorial Award, Ars Poetica Award (2026), and the author of Pearls of Rain (Beret Days Press). Lisa holds the position of Durham Region Branch Manager for The Ontario Poetry Society and serves on the Board of Directors for the Writers' Community of Durham Region. She is the host and organizer of Poetry Nights at Station Gallery. Her memberships include the League of Canadian Poets and The Writers' Union of Canada.

Lillian Allen Bio:

Lillian Allen is the 7th Poet Laureate of Toronto and a professor of creative writing at Ontario College of Art and Design University. Lillian is a two time JUNO Award winner and trailblazer in the field of spoken word and dub poetry. Lillian’s debut book of poetry, Rhythm An’ Hardtimes became a Canadian best seller, blazing new trails for poetic expression and opened up the form. Lillian’s latest collection Make the World New: The Poetry of Lillian Allen, edited by

Ronald Cummings was published in Spring 2021 and is part of the Laurier Poetry Series. Her other collections, Women Do This Everyday and Psychic Unrest are studied across the educational spectrum. Her literary work for young people includes three books: Why Me, If You See Truth, and Nothing But a Hero. Lillian’s latest publication is Muttertongue, a collaboration with Gary Barwin & Gregory Betts published by Exile Editions, 2025 and a forthcoming CD. She received the Margaret Laurence Lecture award, 2020 and the Gustafson Distinguished Poet award, 2021. Lillian is a Toronto Cultural Champion and the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate for her contribution to Canadian Letters. Her current art practice veers into vocal sonic poetics and explores pre-language and post-language poetics.

Paul Edward Costa Bio:

Paul Edward Costa is a poet, spoken word artist, organiser, and teacher. He directs Toronto's Outer Haven Poetry Night series and is a former Poet Laureate for the City of Mississauga. He won the Mississauga Arts Council’s Emerging Literary Arts Award and has published in many journals such as Synkroniciti Magazine and Home Planet News. He recently published “Vigils of the Night Office” with DarkWinter Press and “Some Half-Human Creature Thing” with Mosaic Press. He has also featured in poetry reading series such as Shab-e She'r, VerseDeli, Art Bar, and the Open Mic in Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

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Host or Publisher Lisa Reynolds, The Ontario Poetry Society