Young artists aged between 15 and 18 years old are urged to participate in Word Up! a free youth event, aiming to support up and coming talent with a focus on hip hop, song writing, poetry, dance and other performing genres. Maori and Pasifika youth are especially encouraged to take part. Event coordinator and award-winning poet, Courtney Meredith, says Word Up! Is a unique opportunity for young artists to perform in front of an audience of peers. Musicians King Kapisi and Teremoana Rapley will be critiquing the performances. “They will be there to give helpful advice,” says Courtney. Would-be performers who are not so confident on stage can attend free songwriting, hip hop, street art, and poetry workshops at Henderson’s Corban Estate on August 14 and 21. The Word Up! contest itself will take place at the estate on 3 September 2010. For more information, call (Auckland) 838-4455 or email wordup@ceac.org.nz. (Image of Courtney Meredith from the Corban Estate Arts Centre website)
