Jillian Christmas is MOA’s featured poet for National Poetry Month. Through a focus on anti-oppression initiatives in spoken word, Jillian has developed programs in partnership with the Toronto Poetry Project, UBC and the Vancouver Opera and has worked with youth and adults across Canada.

“When I teach workshops, I work on connecting and reminding youth and adults alike that their voices have value, power and are absolutely necessary. I hope that my classes bring people closer to themselves and each other.” ~Jillian Christmas

Please Note: This workshop was originally announced as an in-person event at MOA on April 19, from 12:30 – 3 pm, but has now been moved online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This event is now free with pre-registration and will be held from 11 am – 1 pm.

Artist Bio

Born and raised in Markham, Ontario, Jillian Christmas serves as Artistic Director of Versəs Festival of Words. An enthusiastic organizer and activist in the Canadian arts community, Jillian’s focus is to increase anti-oppression initiatives in spoken word. Jillian’s work has been featured in numerous publications including the Huffington Post, and published in a number of collections, including Matrix New Queer Writing (issue 98), The Post Feminist Post, Plenitude Magazine, Room Magazine and celebrated anthology, The Great Black North. She has participated in, developed and executed programs in partnership with Toronto Poetry Project, Wordplay, Brendan McLeod’s Travelling Slam, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Opera, and the CULTCH Mentorship, and facilitated spoken word workshops for youth and adults across the country.