Skip to content

Slamovision back to wow audiences worldwide

The finest spoken word artists across the UNESCO Cities of Literature network go head to head in Slamovision.

    Slamovision 2023
    Slamovision 2023

    UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature use creativity and culture to promote the social, economic and cultural development of their cities. In these times of global uncertainty, the network continues to connect literary communities across the world, forging bonds through the power of books, words and ideas.

    On December 5th 2023, 12 UNESCO Cities of Literature will put forward their finest selected slam poet to represent them in the Slamovision Grand Finale – the competition is coming back for its 5th year.

    Nottingham City of Literature is partnering again with Nottingham Trent University’s WRAP (Writing Reading and Pleasure) programme to host Slamovision in Nottingham, UK for the second time. This will be the largest Slamovision to date, and possibly the most competitive yet. Each finalist will have already got through at least one local heat and will be primed to deliver their best performance to take the coveted title of champion.

    The ‘Eurovision for the Spoken Word’ has been contested since 2019 and is aimed at increasing cultural participation within individual cities as well as showcasing local talent on an international stage.

    Twelve Cities of Literature, including Nottingham, are participating in Slamovision 2023: Dublin (Ireland), Exeter (UK), Iowa City (US), Kuhmo (Finland), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Manchester (UK), Melbourne (Australia), Québec City (Canada), Reykjavik (Iceland), Tartu (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania).

    Becky Cullen, NTU WRAP Director said: "It is a privilege for NTU to co-host the Slamovision Grand Finale final with Nottingham City of Literature once again this year, making exciting international connections from the heart of our dynamic literary and cultural city."

    Hannah Trevarthen, Director, Nottingham City of Literature said: "As two-time champions, Nottingham is delighted to be hosting Slamovision 2024 and collaborating with Cities of Literature to showcase the finest slam poetry talent. The finale promises to be the grandest yet, I hope you’ll join us in-person or online for a vibrant celebration of poetry, languages, culture and creativity."

    More details, including how to put apply to be a contender, will be available soon.

    Check out the 2022 and 2021 winners:

    Strong Tea by Abíọ́dún ‘Abbey’ Abdul

    Island Screams by Cara Thompson

    • Notes for editors

      Press enquiries please contact Sarah McLeod, Corporate Communications Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8735, or via email.

      To learn more and see all previous Slamovision Contestants, please visit: https://cityofliterature.com.au/slam-o-vision/

      About the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN): Established in 2004, the UCCN aims to foster collaboration among cities that recognise creativity as a crucial element in achieving sustainable urban development. Nearly 300 cities worldwide are part of this network, united in their pursuit of a shared goal: integrating creativity and cultural industries into their local development strategies while actively cooperating on the global stage. The Network encompasses seven diverse creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. Forty-two UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature from 32 countries are currently members of the Network, diligently working together to harness the transformative power of literature in fostering sustainable and inclusive societies.

      For more information on the UCCN, please visit:

      https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/home

      To learn more about the UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature Network:  https://www.citiesoflit.com/

      The Cities of Literature press pack is here

    Published on 24 August 2023
    • Category: Press office