Poetry Extravaganza: Los Angeles Joins Paris for Cultural Olympiad Finale

The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and Beyond Baroque have announced a significant cultural collaboration with Paris in honor of the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Nearly 50 poets from Los Angeles have been selected to represent the city in the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, marking an unprecedented partnership between the two global literary arts centers.

The Poetic Games and Cultural Handover

The initiative, which celebrates the theme of “Art+Sports,” will see eight Los Angeles poets traveling to Paris to perform in the finale of the Poetic Games, a series of poetry-based activities culminating on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Additionally, 28 poets will perform in the “Catch the Mic: Paris to L.A.” cultural handover event in Los Angeles on the same date. This project has been made possible by a grant from DCA’s Public Space Activation Fund, which supports community partners in fostering international cultural exchanges.

A Collaborative Effort

The collaboration between the DCA, Beyond Baroque, the City of Paris, and the Paris University Club began in the spring of 2024. A call for poets was issued in April, and a committee selected 49 Los Angeles poets, each commissioned to write a new poem on the theme of “Art+Sports.” These poems will be published and performed over the next three years, showcasing the vitality of Los Angeles poetry in an international celebration of art and sports.

In July, eight poets were selected as Paris Olympiad Poets and will travel to Paris to perform in the Poetic Games finale. These poets include Steve Connell, Shandela Contreras, Chinaka Aziza Hodge, Uchechi Kalu, Edward Mabrey, Steven Reigns, Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, and Sarah Yanni. Their “Art+Sports” poems will be presented as voice recordings from the Speaking Tree in a Paris city park, while three additional poets have been commissioned to write poems on Olympic Moments for the 2024 Paris Olympics, to be performed by French actors during the Poetic Games.

Catch the Mic: Paris to L.A.

The “Catch the Mic: Paris to L.A.” cultural handover event will take place at the Mark Taper Auditorium in the Los Angeles Public Library on September 7, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM PT. This event will feature performances by 28 Los Angeles poets and three Tongva artists, celebrating the cultural connections between Paris and Los Angeles as both cities prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The event will be livestreamed, allowing a global audience to participate in the 12-hour Poetry Marathon finale at Place du Châtelet Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. The showcase is sponsored by LA County Arts+Culture and the Los Angeles Public Library, highlighting the importance of public support in fostering international cultural exchanges.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles during this exciting time, we recommend exploring the city’s rich cultural landscape. The Los Angeles Public Library, where the “Catch the Mic: Paris to L.A.” event will be held, is a must-visit for its architectural beauty and extensive collection. Additionally, Beyond Baroque, located in Venice, is a literary arts center that offers a variety of workshops, readings, and events for poetry enthusiasts.

For expert travelers, consider timing your visit to coincide with other cultural events leading up to the 2028 Olympics. Los Angeles is known for its diverse arts scene, and there will be numerous opportunities to engage with local and international artists. Keep an eye on the DCA’s calendar for upcoming events and exhibitions that celebrate the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the partnership between Los Angeles and Paris for the Cultural Olympiad Poetry Finale is a testament to the power of art and sports in bringing communities together. Whether you are an occasional traveler or an experienced globetrotter, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of both cities’ literary and cultural offerings.