Out-Spoken
London's premier night of poetry and live music
Out-Spoken is a poetry organisation that celebrates diversity of voice in writing and performance. Through live events, tours and publication it gives a platform to artists whose work is innovative, authentic and plural.
Founded in 2012 by Anthony Anaxagorou, Out-Spoken is run by Anthony Anaxagorou, Karim Kamar, Sam ‘Junior’ Bromfield, Joelle Taylor and Tom MacAndrew.
"Out-Spoken is an exhilarating, vibrant, life-affirming and belief-challenging experience.”
- Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate
Out-Spoken Live at Southbank Centre
Out-Spoken Live invites the UK’s leading poets, rappers and musicians to share their art at a monthly showcase. Since May 2019, Out-Spoken has been resident in Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, programming a range of poets, including: Simon Armitage, Brian Patten, Inua Ellams, Ilya Kaminsky, Sabrina Mahfouz, Hollie McNish, Morgan Parker and many more.
Find dates and tickets on the Southbank Centre website.
Masterclasses
Out-Spoken runs monthly masterclasses hosted by Southbank Centre, offering the chance to work with leading poets to develop your writing. Subsidised places for young writers are available.
Prize for poetry
Out-Spoken's annual prize for poetry recognises excellence in page poetry, poetry performance and poetry film, offering a £700 prize to the overall winner. Former winners include: Fran Lock, Jolade Olusanya, Colin McGuire and Mukahang Limbu
International artists
Out-Spoken programmes an array of international artists, including Danez Smith, Sam Sax, Fatimah Asghar, Zeina Hashem Beck, Morgan Parker, Ilya Kaminsky,
Press
Out-Spoken Press publishes a broad range of poetry and critical writing, championing diversity within UK publishing. Out-Spoken Press poets include Sabrina Mahfouz, Fran Lock, Bridget Minamore and Raymond Antrobus.
"Calling Out-Spoken a poetry night is akin to calling The Beatles just a boy band."
- Everything Theatre
"Everything you wanted a poetry night to be... so so good"
- BBC Radio London
Images credit: Out-Spoken
