Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) presents the first-ever WE SPEAK Festival, a virtual, evening-length celebration of spoken word poetry and storytelling. Integrating critically-acclaimed artists Jericho Brown, Andrea Gibson, Kealoha, Shane Koyczan, and Robin Sanders, alongside talented local youth chosen through a juried selection process, WE SPEAK seeks to embody the complex themes and concerns of the year 2020. Through performance, artists are invited to respond to issues including (but not limited to) the global health crisis, Black Lives Matter and the racial justice movement, and experiences of disability, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities. Their voices call for action, dignity, and, ultimately hope.

This fall, as part of ECA’s Education & Outreach programming, Kealoha is leading virtual spoken word workshops with young people through partnerships with Leadership Launch and Scriber Lake High School. Three student finalists from the WE SPEAK Youth Poetry Slam Competition will receive virtual mentorship sessions with Kealoha, as well as the opportunity to perform their work live from the ECA stage on Dec. 3.

Warning: Student and professional artist submissions to the WE SPEAK Festival may contain adult or explicit language.

Ticket Holders will receive a Livestream link via email 24 hours prior to the event.

The WE SPEAK Festival will be available for playback by ticket holders for 4 days after the live program, with the link expiring on Monday, December 7 at 7:30 pm PST.

The WE SPEAK Festival is sponsored by Rick and Charlotte Canning, Leslie and Mike Foley, and Jan and Benny Teal

The WE SPEAK Festival and related Education & Outreach programs are made possible with generous support from the Hazel Miller Foundation and Edmonds Arts Commission.