‘Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity of our existence. It forms the quality of the light within which we predicate our hopes and dreams toward survival and change, first made into language, then into idea, then into more tangible action.’
—Audre Lorde, ‘Poetry is Not A Luxury’ (1985)

Building on the success of last year’s exploration of Caribbean literatures, this year’s Middle Ground festival turns its focus to the rich literary traditions of the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Middle Ground’s Open Mic event is a vibrant platform that celebrates the diversity of literary expression. Contributors explore how orality and migration shape identity, creating a space where words come alive, emotions collide, and connections are forged. All poets and storytellers are welcome to share their work that relates to the theme ‘Voice, Echo, and Location’.

Are you captivated by the words, wordplay, tones, sounds, and emotions of the human voice? Does your work explore the echoes of memory, or transport us to specific locations? Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time participant, you’re invited to take the stage and share your talent in your preferred language.

Within the framework of Middle Ground, the event is more than just an open mic night; it’s a celebration of the power of the spoken word, an exploration of our shared humanity through diverse voices and experiences. This year, it’s an opportunity to delve into the intricate web of relationships that connect the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean, and explore how these connections have shaped literature, culture, and identity.

Submissions in the form of poetry, spoken word, and other formats that resonate with the recurrent theme of ‘Voice, Echo, and Location’ are welcomed. This could be poetry that captures the cadence of a specific dialect, prose that explores the lingering echoes of historical events, or storytelling that vividly brings to life a particular place.

You are warmly invited to join Middle Ground’s literary journey across seas and cultures. Together contributors will create a tapestry of voices that reflects a rich, diverse, and interconnected literary landscape.

Submission guidelines

To participate, please submit a sample of your work to openmicnight@hkw.de as a text file (.doc or .pdf). Maximum length for submissions: 1,000 words (short text or excerpt). Texts are accepted in any language provided an English translation is included (with the exception of German).

Submission deadline: 26 August 2024
Selected authors will be notified by 9 September 2024

Please note that performances will be limited to six minutes. Remember to bring your energy, passion, and a receptive ear for fellow performers.