The Spoken Word Program @ The Banff Centre
From 2008 to 2012, the Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre entered a significant phase of development and growth. Led by Sheri-D Wilson as the director, this period marked a transformative era for the program, offering a unique and enriching experience to a select group of 14 to 16 participants each year. These individuals were given the remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in a two-week artistic retreat at The Banff Centre. During this time, the participants embarked on a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration, honing their skills and deepening their understanding of the spoken word genre.
The Spoken Word Program was more than just a creative retreat; it was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege to be a part of it. It fostered a vibrant community of poets and artists, forging connections that transcended borders and languages. This period of the program's history was marked by a dedication to nurturing emerging voices in spoken word and providing them with the tools and inspiration to continue pushing the boundaries of this dynamic and powerful art form.
The Spoken Word Program
In 2008, the Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre continued into its 2nd year and gave 16 participants the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at The Banff Centre, cultivating their craft under the instruction of renowned faculty members: D. Kimm (Montreal), Ian Ferrier (Montreal), Bob Holman (New York), Dwayne Morgan (Toronto) and Sheri-D Wilson (who also served as Director).
One of our main concerns and interests became the integration of several languages within The Banff Centre Program and the festival itself. The festival was presented in three languages and functioned in French and English throughout. The idea of language integration continued.
In 2009, the Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre continued into its 3rd year and 16 participants the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at The Banff Centre, cultivating their craft under the instruction of renowned faculty members: José Acquelin (Montréal), Lillian Allen (Toronto), Regie Cabico (Washington, DC), Ivan E. Coyote (Vancouver), Sheri-D Wilson.
In 2010, the Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre continued into its 4th year and gave 16 participants the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at The Banff Centre, cultivating their craft under the instruction of renowned faculty members: Regie Cabico (Washington, DC), Bob Holman (NYC), Sheri-D Wilson. Workshop leaders: Louise Bernice Halfe – SkyDancer (Regina), Evelyn Parry (Toronto), and Steven Ross Smith (Banff).
In 2011, the Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre continued into its 5th year and gave 16 participants the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at The Banff Centre, cultivating their craft under the instruction of renowned faculty members: Brian Brett (Salt Spring Island), Regie Cabico (Washington, DC), Kaie Kellough (Montreal), Steven Ross Smith, Anne Waldman (NYC), Sheri-D Wilson.
In 2012, the Spoken Word Program at The Banff Centre, continued into its 6th year—a pivotal year. It was the last year that the creator of the program Sheri-D Wilson would be the Director. The program gave 14 participants the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at The Banff Centre, cultivating their craft under the instruction of renowned faculty members and workshop leaders. Sheri-D Wilson returned as the program director.