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Oct 24-26
Downtown Troy, NY
Unspoken Word is co-curated by poet-educator Danielle Colin and creative strategist Patrick Harris Jr., two cultural leaders rooted in creating restorative, care-driven spaces. Emerging from the world of poetry and writing, the festival responds to burnout, the fading of slam circuits, and the growing pressures on today’s literary community — centering connection, wellness, and sustainable creative growth for poets, writers, and beyond.
Oct 24 - Venue: Mojo’s Cafe
230-6: Arrivals at hotels
6-630: Welcome & Grounding w Leah Penniman (Mojos Cafe)
7-9:Open Mic at Mojo's hosted by Mary Panza
Oct 25 - Morning (Kickback Studio)
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – Writing to Exhale with D. Colin: Take a breath and let your pen lead you. Writing to Exhale invites you to use poetry and journaling as pathways to release, reflection, and renewal. You’ll write a new poem while learning self-care practices that nurture your creativity and help you breathe through the stories that matter most.
12:00 PM -- You, Me & Poetry with Adonis Richards: You me and Poetry is a creative writing session that incorporates storytelling and poetry incorporating elements of literacy, creativity, expression and more.
Midday - Evening (Art Center of Capital Region Gallery
12:30 PM – Lunch
1 - 2:30PM – Panel: Publishing + Submissions for writers/authors brought to you by Josh Gruft of Paper Moon
2-5PM Capital Region Writers Project at Lucas Confectionery (Cross-promoted event, not part of our festival)
3:30 - 5:30PM – Empire State Slam
6:00 PM – Dinner
8:00 PM – Main Showcase ft
Dr Mahogany L. Browne D. Colin, Lynette Johnson & winners of Slam hosted by Adonis Richards
Afterparty (Venue: The Whiskey Pickle)
10:00 PM – Afterparty + Poetry Cypher
Oct 26 - Venue: Kickback Studios
8:30 AM – Poet’s Brunch + Reflection Circle
10:00 AM – Yoga for Poets w Morgan Hayward
11:00 AM – Movement Session w Hettie Barnhill
12:00 PM – Final Closing Circle & Departures
Sponsor Categories
01 | $5000
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsors receive the highest visibility throughout the festival, with benefits including:
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Logo placement on posters, digital promotions, and programs
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Stage mentions at every public event (Friday–Saturday)
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6 VIP passes
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Vendor table at the festival
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Recognition through social media and email campaigns
02 | $2500
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsors enjoy strong recognition across festival promotions, featuring:
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Logo placement on posters, digital promotions, and programs
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Stage mentions at 2 major events
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4 VIP passes
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Vendor table at the festival
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Social media and email spotlight
03 | $1000
Community Sponsor
Community Sponsors support grassroots connections and receive:
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Logo placement in the program and on the festival website
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Stage mention during the Outdoor Cypher
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2 General Admission passes for the Main Showcase
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Vendor table at the festival
04 | $500
Friend of the Festival
Friends of the Festival receive:
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Recognition in the program and on the festival website
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2 General Admission passes to any one public event