Join us in celebrating spoken word right in the heart of Helsinki this June! Amos Rex, Helsinki Poetry Connection, and Nuorten Open Mic warmly invite you to an inclusive and welcoming poetry evening upstairs at the museum. Taking to the stage will be both emerging young poets and seasoned performers – with acts from invited guests as well as those signed up for the open mic. Admission is free of charge.
Our featured performers for the evening are the charismatic spoken word legend Elsa Tölli and Kuisma, a promising young voice from Turku. The programme also includes an open mic segment aimed at young people and young adults – you’re welcome to sign up in advance or on the spot. The open mic is your chance to share your own work: poetry, rap, spoken word, even song lyrics. No previous experience is required – everyone is encouraged to step up to the mic. Each performance slot is a maximum of ten minutes. You can sign up with the evening’s host Aura Nurmi, a member of the Nuorten Open Mic collective, or with the Amos Rex staff.
The event will take place in the Amos Rex Shop, which will be transformed for the summer evening into a stage for poetry and togetherness.
Sign up for the open mic:
The event follows safer space principles. Read more here.
This is a free, substance-free event.
Amos Rex is wheelchair accessible via the Lasipalatsi Square entrance. Accessible toilet facilities are available in the museum. Read more about accessibility at Amos Rex here.
This event is organised in collaboration between Helsinki Poetry Connection and Amos Rex.
Performers
Elsa Tölli
Elsa Tölli is a creator who draws from poetry and the sting of presence. She has made performances and poetry videos for various festivals, performed as a spoken word artist, and was one of the artists featured in the Young Artists 2023 exhibition.
Her heart beats for risky sensitivity, alter egos, and deconstructing performances. At the core of Tölli’s work is an embracing of life and a constant oscillation between despair and joy. Her second poetry collection, Diiva räjähtää nurmikoksi, was published in summer 2024.
Kuisma
Kuisma is a being, writer, and student who floats between Turku and Helsinki.
In their texts, Kuisma explores human encounters with a hyper-attuned physical lens, tottering in the space between closeness and distance, and grappling with vast, hard-to-define emotional experiences.
Aarni Pieski
Aarni Pieski is a Sámi writer, dramaturg, and curator. At the moment, he dreams of a free Palestine. 𓇢𓆸
