As summer winds down, we continue to offer a range of regular events—from poetry jams and music circles to writing workshops and storytelling collections. There’s something for everyone in our community to join, share, and connect with.
Featured: Poetry Jam + Maza Collective
For all poets and spoken word enthusiasts
About Poetry Jam
Our monthly Poetry Jam takes place every 3rd Thursday and offers an opportunity to write, edit, rehearse, discuss, and share spoken word poetry. Come as a witness to see the action happening, or sign up at the door to share your work and get feedback. This series is led by South African-Canadian spoken word poet, storyteller, TEDx speaker, educator, and mother, Lindi Nolte.
We sat down with Lindi to hear her thoughts on why writing together matters. In her own words, Lindi reflects on creativity, community, and the magic of being a poet for just one night.
Holding the Mic: A Conversation with Lindi Nolte on Poetry, Community, and Taking the Stage at Kogawa House
Q. Lindi, what drew you to lead this series at Kogawa House?
I believe in the power of shared writing experiences. When we gather to write, something shifts — we loosen the grip of perfection, listen more closely to ourselves, and discover that our voices matter.
I was drawn to lead this series at Historic Joy Kogawa House because the space itself hums with stories — past and present. There’s something about gathering in a home that once belonged to a writer, surrounded by the quiet persistence of history and big trees, that invites vulnerability to the page.
Storytelling and self-expression are essential because they remind us we’re not alone. More than poetry, I am in love with creating poetry with others. It is a meaningful and moving experience to sit beside someone (sometimes a stranger) while you both search for words to best express a feeling, a memory, or a moment in time. Stories and poems allow us to translate the unspoken parts of our lives into language that can be shared, held, and heard.
Q. What can someone expect to get out of a session?
Even if you’ve never read your work aloud before, there’s a place for you here. Some people come to write, others to listen, and many find themselves doing both before the night is over. The beauty of this space is that every role matters—speaking, hearing, and holding space are all part of the creative conversation.
You can expect to leave with fresh words on the page, a few new perspectives in your pocket, and that unmistakable feeling of connection that comes when we share something true.
Q. How does writing with others change the experience?
Writing can be an isolating and lonely creative practice. Doing it with others reminds us that we are part of a larger community of people who are all searching for words, stories, and poems—and that is our connective tissue.
No matter where you are with your writing—or if you’re just beginning—this is a space to foster a relationship with your own writing voice and to encourage and witness other writers in the midst of their process.
Having people who support you along the way is the surest way to keep your pen moving. Each shared word and story builds a thread between us.
Q. Can you share a moment that shaped your own journey as a poet?
When I performed my first ever spoken word poem at Café Deux Soleils more than a decade ago, a well-known poet from the community high-fived me afterwards and said, “Yo poet, that was dope.” It continues to be one of the most pivotal moments of my life—not because he gave me a compliment, but because he called me a poet. It was the first time someone had named the thing I wanted to be—even though I hadn’t yet given myself permission.
Here’s what I know: if you don’t call yourself by the name of the thing you wish to be, you’ll never feel worthy of it. So here it is—come to a session and be a poet for a night. Try it on for size. See how it fits. You might surprise yourself, poet.
Q. What advice do you have for someone who’s nervous about sharing?
For anyone feeling nervous about sharing, know this: every person in the room has felt that same fear at some point. The nerves are normal—they mean you care about what you’re creating. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be brave enough to show up as yourself. Even reading a few lines is a victory. And here’s the magic: when you take that step, others respond with support, curiosity, and encouragement. You might just surprise yourself with what you can say, and how good it feels to be heard.
We hope to see you there! Our closest Poetry Jam date is August 21.
Reimagining the Rishta by Maza Arts Collective
Following the August 21st Poetry Jam, Maza Arts Collective, our current Writers in Residence, presents Reimagining the Rishta. This multimedia, participatory poetry showcase is the culmination of their one-month residency at Kogawa House. Ideated during their collective residency at Deer Lake in March 2025, the project blends the voices of all six members, sharing poems that reflect their time together, friendship, and platonic love.
This is a free event, open to all — come for the Poetry Jam, stay for Maza Collective, and experience a unique evening of creativity and connection.
Marpole Food Culture Storytelling Project
Seeking Recipes and Participants
To foster stronger connections in the Marpole community, Historic Joy Kogawa House, Marpole Food Hub, and Marpole Neighbourhood House have partnered to create a food storytelling project, made possible with funding from the City of Vancouver.
The project has two parts:
1. Marpole Community Cookbook
We are celebrating the food stories and diverse cultural heritage of Marpole. We are seeking recipes and food stories from anyone with a connection to Marpole and/or Historic Joy Kogawa House. Submissions will be curated, edited, and turned into a cookbook available to the community.
Deadline for recipe submissions: October 31, 2025
Please include a photo of the dish if possible.
Send recipes to: info@kogawahouse.com
2. Food Storytelling Performance
Led by community-engaged artist Yan Ting Qiu, this component will feature 6–8 participants who want to take their personal food story further. Participants will create a short 3–6 minute storytelling performance, to be presented at an event in December 2025 or early January 2026. Workshops will take place over 2–3 weekends, scheduled to suit participant availability. Participants will receive an honorarium for their involvement.
Both parts will culminate in a showcase performance and feast, featuring dishes from the cookbook, hosted at Marpole Neighbourhood House.
Interested in participating in the performance? Email: info@kogawahouse.com
Want to submit a recipe? Include a photo (if possible) and email your recipe to: info@kogawahouse.com
Reminder: Our Regular Events
Ukulele Group
Join us Sunday, August 17 at 1 PM at Historic Joy Kogawa House (1450 W 64th Ave, Vancouver) for our monthly Ukulele Group! All levels are welcome — bring your uke, tuner, and music stand if you have one. Most sessions are outdoors under a canopy, or around the campfire if it’s chilly. Sheet music is provided, and feel free to bring a snack to share. Free on-street parking available.
For more info, visit vanukes.ca.
Writers’ Group
Join us every Tuesday, 6–8 PM in person at Historic Joy Kogawa House or online via Zoom for focused writing time. Hosted in rotation by Robin or Kailie, the group writes in silence for two hours with short breaks, then shares and discusses work over snacks. Contact info@kogawahouse.com for a zoom link.