Poetry With Purpose: Bellingen Poetry Slam Unites Through Spoken Word
Published on 18 August 2025
Performance poets in the Bellingen Shire will have an opportunity to weave their word magic in a poetry slam at the Bellingen Memorial Hall on Sunday 21 September 2025.
Bellingen Shire Council is collaborating with the Academy of Social Science to promote Social Science Week, 8-14 September 2025, by hosting the poetry slam competition, with the theme Reclaiming Solidarity: Voices for Unity, encouraging poets to challenge dominant narratives, find power in unity and ignite collective strength.
To foster this creative art form, the Bellingen Library is also getting involved, hosting two preparation workshops ahead of the competition with seasoned slam poet, writer and performer, Jason John.
Council's Group Leader Community Partnerships, Maxine Compton, explained how the event is designed to explore how connection, cooperation and shared purpose can help communities navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex world.
“Solidarity is about recognising that we are stronger when we stand together than when we are fragmented and isolated. It’s about building common ground across differences, supporting each other in times of need, and finding shared values that unite us, whether in our local communities or on a global scale,” said Ms Compton.
“We want our poets to ask themselves what connectedness means to them, how can we build on our shared values and goals, and what are some of the ways we can work together to overcome the challenges we are facing.”
Registrations are now open for performers interested in taking to the stage, with audience-voted winners set to take home VISA gift vouchers.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Cr. Steve Allan sees this event as an opportunity to build upon the existing artistry in the Shire to support a connected, sustainable and creative community that is inventive when it comes to finding innovative solutions to tricky problems.
“The preparation workshops are designed to support community members who want to refine their performance skills in the slam poetry genre. Whether you’re new to the art form or looking to polish your existing skills, Jason will share his tips, tricks and experience to help you feel confident in both your writing and on the stage,” said Mayor Allan.
“Using the facilities of the Bellingen Memorial Hall and library, while building on the community capital of the successful poetry slams hosted by the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival, this initiative is a great way for Council to provide creative opportunities for the community and grow the confidence of new performers to this space.”
For more information on the poetry slam, the preparation workshops, and to find out how to apply, head to our event page: