The Unwanted Words Project is thrilled to celebrate spoken word poetry, storytelling, op-eds, drama and music, with our popular open mic series, Queer Poetry Night, at Pakhuis De Zwijger – Amsterdam’s independent cultural center. Organic, joyous and spontaneous, this event, produced and hosted by Tuaca Kelly, draws professional, amateur and first-time performers from far and wide. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with powerful words, heartfelt expressions, and a vibrant celebration of real human voices!

ABOUT THE OPEN MIC

Whether you’re an experienced performer or a first-time poet, this is your chance to shine and to be seen. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others, build the arts community, share your story and be part of something truly special.

If you’ve pre-registered to perform through Unwanted Words Project, or wish to sign up to read or perform at the open mic, we kindly ask that you arrive 15–minutes before the event begins to confer with our host.

This programme is hosted by Tuaca Kelly Poet, performance artist and philosopher

ABOUT TUACA KELLY

Hailing from multiple generations of Irish poets and musicians, Tuaca Kelly is an American poet, spoken word artist, and songwriter, most known for her unique wordplay, uncanny improvisation, unpredictable humor, presence and ability to connect with the audience. Amsterdam-based poet Tuaca Kelly, also serves Stichting Unwanted Words Project and the local arts community as a creative producer, talent curator, workshop facilitator, and a most vivacious host, where she can be found at the helm of their monthly open mic held at Pakhuis De Zwijger in Amsterdam.

ABOUT UNWANTED WORDS PROJECT

Stichting Unwanted Words Project is an award-winning platform for emerging queer poets and spoken word artists in the Netherlands. Founded in 2018 by Luis Bracamontes, a queer immigrant and Spoken Word artist from Mexico, our goal as a collective is to create spaces where LGBTQ+ talent can thrive and connect with like-minded communities. We are on a mission to provide more options for safe(r) spaces and opportunities for queer connection and growth. We do this through spoken word workshops & open mics such as our Queer Poetry Nights series, as well as initiatives to spotlight the best queer talent in our community such as our 1st & 2nd Queer & Feminist Poetry Awards and our Queer & Feminist Poetry Anthology. We aim to promote and empower queer voices from an intersectional approach.

Our current team celebrates diversity. We are a mix of queer & non-binary feminists, BIPOC and white, dutch nationals, immigrants & refugees. As a collective, we take an open stance against racism, xenophobia, ableism and other forms of structural and direct discrimination.