WATCH: Snapping, storytelling, and support come together at these events

The Inspired Word Café was just in its infancy when Shimshon Obadia first dipped their toe into the scene.

They attended an open mic night, taking in an evening of poetic storytelling.

Obadia was immediately drawn to the craft, and is now not only a part of the literary non-profit, but has a budding career in the field.

“I just got hooked on these beautiful and inspiring words,” they told Kelowna10. “That community that fostered really encouraged me to pursue it. Being able to take that further has been wonderful.”

The Inspired Word Café has fostered spoken word poetry in Kelowna since 2009. The group has spearheaded open mic nights, competitive slam poetry events, and youth initiatives and now has a podcast.

Co-Executive Director, Erin Scott, told Kelowna10, the events have supportive crowds and is entertaining for fans of writing and storytelling.

“The vibe of the place is one of entertaining, its celebratory, sometimes people have never taken to the stage before so it can be nerve racking,” she said. “For the most part it’s an inclusive and open space for anyone who likes entertainment but especially for those who love literary arts.”

The scene is burgeoning in Kelowna, Scott said, with the city reporting a 200 per cent increase in employment in the literary arts, regionally, in 2019. She said that likely makes it one of the fastest growing scenes in Canada.

And having a space for those people to perform is vital to further nurturing the talent of the Okanagan, both the up and comers, and the professionals.

“As an artist it means everything to me,” Scott said. “Sometimes we underestimate the value of art but without spaces like this, a lot of people don’t get to go and feel like their story’s heard or their narratives are being seen in the presentation of other people’s art.”

A direct result of that work can be seen through Obadia, who has had the opportunity to hone her craft at the events. Obadia is able to showcase their efforts, which are influenced by an identity within the trans, non-binary, mixed-race, neurodiverse communities.

“These are non-fiction that also explore that but with this light-hearted and heartwarming approach, celebrating the joys as a way to explore identity, politics, but also to advocate for people in the communities that I come from,” they said.

The last event of the season will be May 12, a youth showcase. Students from across the region will present the work they’ve been preparing all season.