Barrie, Ont. poet laureate encourages local artists with open mic night – Barrie | 24CA News
Since taking on as Barrie’s fourth poet laureate, Tyneisha Ternent has been pushing for poetry illustration in all its types and offering alternatives for artists within the southern Ontario metropolis to debut their work.
This Friday, Ternent, in partnership with Live Barrie, will host an open mic evening for locals to debit their work.
The occasion begins at 8 p.m. at CW Coop’s, with particular visitor and award-winning poet Britta Badour, also referred to as Britta B., who teaches spoken phrase efficiency at Seneca College.
“To me, poetry is emotions, poetry is being vulnerable, poetry is expressing the parts of you that maybe you would rather hide. It’s really connecting with your soul and how you truly feel and not being afraid to tap into your emotions and get a little vulnerable because that will spark your healing,” Ternent mentioned.
Ternent mentioned the occasion is open to anybody seeking to show their artistry in a secure place.
“Some who it’s their first time on stage to some who is seasoned, it’s open for everybody. I want everybody to feel welcomed and like they can share their talents and not feel any criticism,” she mentioned.
“It’s going to be a supportive environment for everybody to feel comfortable and safe.”
Read extra:
Barrie, Ont.’s latest poet laureate appears to be like to create a platform for native artists
When it involves what sort of performances they’re searching for, Ternent mentioned they’re searching for artwork of every kind, from spoken phrase to rap to bounce.
Since taking on as poet laureate, she has been busy with performances in Toronto and regionally, in addition to organizing occasions to showcase artists and fellow poets.
“Art is healing; there’s a lot of healing. It allows people to really grow as an individual and honour themselves, and so I want to provide spaces where people are even just doing poetry, visual arts, it could be dance – however people want to express themselves, I want to help them be able to do that,” she mentioned.
Ternent mentioned she is working to make this a month-to-month occasion along with her Rap is Poetry occasions, the place she offers an area for native artists to carry out and receives a commission for his or her work.
“It’s a great opportunity to have artists of all kinds come together. It also gives a new understanding of rap a deeper meaning and how rap and spoken word are connected,” she mentioned.
“I’m loving the role, I am taking it very seriously, and I really look forward to bringing more diverse and engaging events to Barrie and Simcoe County.”
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