Literary
Voices of the Street — Gravity: Hope as Resistance in Hard Times
Saturday November 1, 12pm – 1:30pm
Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Free
Join local writers as they read from the 15th edition of Megaphone’s Voices of the Street anthology, titled this year “Gravity: Hope as Resistance in Hard Times”. The writers will share their work and the inspiration behind their pieces. The anthology of poetry and prose is produced through a series of community writing workshops for individuals facing intersecting barriers in the Downtown Eastside.
Spontaneous Poetry in the DTES
Saturday November 1, 1pm – 2:30pm
Corner of Main & Hastings Free
Meet poet, writer and activist Gilles Cyrenne and poet extraordinaire, Fiona Lam, on Main and Hastings for a cup of hot chocolate and a spontaneous poem. Do you have a memory that you want to see on paper? An idea, a care, memory, or feeling about something you are experiencing that you’d like to express? Drop by and take home a spontaneous poem created by two of the best poets in our midst. Marshmallows included!
RayCam Seniors Story Sharing Circle
Tuesday November 4, 11am – 1pm
RayCam Cooperative Centre, 920 E. Hastings Free
The RayCam Seniors Story Sharing Circle has been meeting since 2023 to share experiences and develop storytelling skills. This special open session highlights the stories and songs the group has developed, and celebrates the display, Friends & Neighbours: Tales from the RayCam Seniors Story Sharing Circle. In Cantonese and English (interpretation provided). Lunch is included; please register by calling 604-257-6949.
10th Annual Sandy Cameron Memorial Writing Contest Award Ceremony
Wednesday November 5, 6:30pm – 8pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
An exciting and inspiring event, this award ceremony is live in the Carnegie Theatre! A number of the award-winning writers will read work that they submitted to the contest. In its tenth year, the writing contest was established to honour Sandy Cameron, one of the best-loved writers to publish work in the Carnegie
Newsletter. Sandy consistently contributed essays and poetry, sharing stories of the low-income neighbourhood’s over one hundred-year struggle for human rights. The contest supports local writers and encourages never-before-published writers to submit their work for publication. The free twice-monthly Carnegie
Newsletter is available online at www.carnegienewsletter.org. Everyone is welcome.
World Poetry Cafe Radio Show
Thursday November 6, 1pm – 2pm
Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM Free
The World Poetry Cafe Radio Show, hosted by Ariadne Sawyer has been broadcasting on CFRO FM, Vancouver for 26 years. The radio show reaches the world through weekly shows every Thursday at 1pm and is streamed in 188 countries. Each show features guests, including poets, book and album launches, community workers, artists, musicians, and others. Tune in and listen to voices that otherwise may not be heard.
Downtown Eastside Writers Celebrate Dignity
Thursday November 6, 1pm – 2:30pm
Carnegie Gallery, 3rd Floor, 401 Main Free
Dignity comes from the Latin word meaning worthy. Every one of us, no matter what station in life we occupy is worthy of respect, care, and compassion. For this writing workshop, Elee Kraljii Gardiner, founder of the Thursday’s DTES Writing Collective and Vancouver’s Poet Laureate, will lead the workshop in writing and sharing about the dignity of our community and its incalculable worth in Vancouver’s fabric. Join in celebration of the writing, creativity, worthiness, and dignity of our vibrant community.
Muriel’s Journey Poetry Prize
Thursday, November 6, 6pm – 7:30pm
Listening Post, 328 Main Free
Join us for a celebration of this year’s Muriel’s Journey Poetry Prize in memory of Muriel Marjorie, poet, activist, and actor well known in the DTES. It is held once again at the Listening Post, the DTES’s “oasis” of quietness and reflection. Meet the DTES winner, Ghia Aweida, as well as other winners as we muse poetically on the topic of humanity. Join us for an open mic, especially if you have poetry on the topic!
Poetry Cabaret, with Ghia Aweida
Thursday November 6, 8pm – 9:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Downtown Eastside is alive with writers, poets, and storytellers! The Poetry Cabaret is a monthly open mic night that showcases this vibrant talent, featuring original spoken word, music, and even the occasional joke. DTES writer, activist Ghia Awieda, hosts the evening, guiding us through an eclectic mix of performances from familiar faces and surprise first-timers. Whether you’re a writer or an audience member, this is a space to celebrate the creative spirit of the DTES. Drop in and witness the passion and artistry of the neighbourhood!