Poetry Slam in the Citizens‘ Garden

Democracy is fundamentally based on the freedom of expression, especially via the arts and culture. Poetry, as a liberal literary genre, offers the opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of European democratic values that we all share. Whilst slam poetry, is a form of poetic expression that incorporates performance and a participative audience.

Slam poets at the European Parliament “Poets for Democracy” event will address topics that show the manifold advantages of democracies. These include praising freedom of expression, tolerance, solidarity, togetherness, a common EU future, as well as flagging disruptive forces that could endanger our democratic achievements such as the misfits of social media, Artificial Intelligence or the advent of a more polarised, more self-absorbed society.

Poets for Democracy

Poets for Democracy

Poets for Democracy

This poetry slam intends to showcase diverse voices of democracy and foster reflections on why it is important to speak up, to take part in participative democracy and stand up for it.

Timing: Thursday, 30 May 2024 – 18:00 – 20.30
Location: Citizens’ Garden, Rue Vautier 62, 1050 Brussels
Moderator: Philip Meersman
Music: Yassine Azaiez, keyboard, Abigaille Muaca Vungu, vocals
Slammers:
EU Poets
Silvia Polidori, European Parliament – Italy
Ben Ray, European Commission – UK
Alison Mooney, European Parliament – Ireland

European Champions
Dani Orviz, 2012 first European Champion – Spain
Péter Molnàr, 2018 European Champion – Hungary
Lisette Ma Neza, 2017 Runner-Up and Audience Award Winner – Belgium (NL)
Marie Darah, 2021 European Champion – Belgium (FR)
Elif Duygu, 2022 Austrian Champion – Austria
Joonas Veelmaa, 2023 European Champion – Estonia