Our Story
Spoken Culture began in 2022, founded by poet and international development practitioner Michelle Owusu-Ansah (MittyPoems), with a simple idea: to create space for poets and spoken word artists to be heard.
What started as a single event in London, Ontario quickly revealed something deeper — a need not just for stages, but a platform for poets to share their work, connect with one another, and be experienced beyond the stage.
Since then, Spoken Culture has grown into a platform that brings poetry to life in multiple forms through live special events, community gatherings, and ongoing documentation of artists and their stories.
From intimate performances to larger productions, each experience is built with intention: to honour the voice, the story, and the moment.
Today, Spoken Culture continues to grow - developing artists, building community, and creating spaces where poetry and spoken word are experienced live.
what we do?
Spoken Culture builds platforms for poets and spoken word artists to be seen, heard, and experienced.
Poet Chronicles — an ongoing documentary series capturing poets and their stories
The Spoken Culture Network — a growing community of poets and writers connected through gatherings like Draft Society
Productions — curated live events, including Bonfire Poetry and the Black History Slam
Merch — writing-inspired products that extend the culture beyond the stage
Together, these create a connected ecosystem where poets and spoken word artists can grow, share their work, build relationships, and be experienced both on and off the stage.
Partnerships
Spoken Culture has collaborated with venues and cultural partners across London, Ontario, including Innovation Works, Western University, Museum London, Antler River Poetry, London Arts, LOndon Music Office, London Community Foundation, Xuux Studio, 3AM Film and various community based and art groups.
Our work has also been featured by CBC London and CTV News London, highlighting the impact of our events and the voices within our community.
These partnerships and media features — both past and ongoing — have supported the growth of our events, strengthened our community, and created spaces where poets and spoken word artists can be experienced live.
We continue to build relationships with partners who value storytelling, creativity, and meaningful cultural experiences.
Interested in partnering with us? Get in touch.