How did it happen?
Stages
2006
Performance poets, storytellers and rap artists were invited to participate in the programme in each of the seven countries.
Schools and youth groups were selected to take part in the Power in the Voice competition of performance poetry, storytelling and rap.
2007
February
Artist workshops/collaborations: in each participating country, 12 artists came together to participate in a creative workshop, working with one UK artist and one artist from a different African country. Each group represented the three different art forms of performance poetry, rap and storytelling. They shared ideas and experiences and prepared to mentor the participants in the schools competition.
Competition launch events took place in each country, with performances by the local and international artists involved in the collaborative workshop.
March-September
Professional artists visit schools in six African countries to mentor young participants in preparation for the competition.
Youth competition in six African countries: schools/youth groups compete in knock-out stages leading to finals in 2008.
Team of nine London based performance poets and rap artists are invited to mentor participants in schools across London.
Nine schools across London are invited to participate in Power in the Voice in the UK.
October 2007 - February 2008
Mentoring continues for teams selected in the semi - finals
Voice Fairs: a series of events, interactive workshops, performances and film take place in the six African countries.
UK mentors work with 14 and 15-year-old participants in schools across London in preparation for the competition.
2008
February
Grand Final of Youth Competition in each country.
March - April
Preparation for Power in the Voice International Festival.
May
Power in the Voice International Festival will take place over three days, with performances from all seven winners, alongside renowned poets, rap artists and storytellers from Africa and the UK. Activities will be extended to the other countries participating in the project.
Countries involved
Participants
The Power in the Voice project involved people from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds.
- Young people aged 14 to 19, who can attend workshops and participate in a competition
- Both emerging and established performing artists (rap artists, performance poets and storytellers)
- Writers, designers and translators
- Teachers of English, literature, drama and music.
Who else was involved?
East-side Eductional Trust will work on behalf of the British Council to ensure the project ran smoothly in the UK.
Promotional leaflets are available in English and Portuguese
