Over the course of 34 shows and workshops, the fifth annual Verses Festival brings together adults and youth from across Canada and the US to celebrate a “variety of crafts that focus on words,” according to Jillian Christmas, the Festival’s Artistic Director.

The Festival recently transitioned from its previous title, the Vancouver International Poetry Festival, in order to be more inclusive. “All kinds of performances are included,” noted Christmas. “That’s attributed to the change and rebranding of the festival to be as open to all genres and presentation forms as possible.”

The Festival provides an open and engaging atmosphere that’s easily relatable for all attendees. From a visual arts project on display, to conversations and workshops led by award-winning poets, to slam poetry, spoken word, and youth competitions, Verses offers something to be enjoyed by all lovers of words. Events focus on such topics as politics, human rights, the representation of minority groups, and growing your writing craft.

For most of the events, Christmas explained, “the poetry is the point, [it’s] not [about] the points.” The emphasis is on the experience for many, rather than a competitive spirit. But for those who enjoy a little competition, slam poetry is there to fit their interest.

“I hope that people will be more willing and continue to be willing to cross over between genres, to support each other, and to witness what has been going on around them,” said Christmas. “There’s such a vibrant community.” She hopes the festival will “highlight and lead [artists] to support each other, and keep the conversations going.”

The festival also offers many unique events you might not find elsewhere, such as the ASL Showcase on May 2, which will feature poets performing pieces in American Sign Language with interpreters translating their works into English simultaneously.

Another powerful event comes in the form of Take Back the Mic. Performers will transform their personal trauma into art through the power of the spoken word. According to the festival website, the event is “a celebration of the strength and bravery within our community.”

Something else to look forward to this year is the Gala event, Jangle and Shout. During this event “almost all festival performers will do a two-minute introduction to what they do,” said Christmas. This is a great introduction for festival-goers to types of poetry and performances they may never have heard of before.

Ultimately, Christmas hopes the festival “will spark writing that will be celebrated for the years to come.”

The Verses Festival takes places across Vancouver from April 23 to May 3. For more information, visit versesfestival.ca.