Poetry Slam

Would You Like to Participate?

Poetry Slam has been a regular and popular event at Reykjavík City Library over the years. Many well-known poets, musicians, and performing artists took their first steps on the stage through poetry slam, as is an art form that can be expressed in a wide variety of ways.

Information for Participants

When is the next Poetry Slam?
Poetry Slam 2027 will take place at Reykjavík City Library, Grófin, during Museum Night on 5 February 2027.

• Individuals and groups are welcome
• Notes are allowed on stage
• The poem or text must be original
• Performances may last a maximum of 3 minutes
• Performances may be in English or Icelandic
• Content must not be offensive toward individuals and/or groups
• The poem or text must not have been published in print
• Props may be used, but musical instruments are not permitted

How Do I Apply?

Send your application by email to: ljodaslamm@borgarbokasafn.is
Please note: The application deadline is 31 January 2027.

Your application must include:

• Name of the performer
• Age (participants must be 18 years or older)
• A description of your proposed performance or act

What Is Poetry Slam?

Poetry Slam is a competition in creative expression where the spoken word and poetry take center stage. The performance itself is a form of performing art and may incorporate elements from a variety of artistic disciplines. Traditional poetry readings are generally not considered poetry slam. Instead, the focus is on delivering poetry as a performance, and performers may combine their poems with music, visual art, theatre, or other forms of artistic expression.

A judging panel evaluates each performance based on several factors, including the poem itself, the passion and energy of the delivery, style, content, and sometimes audience response.

Poetry Slam originated in Chicago during the 1980s. The idea behind the first competitions was to bring poetry out of academic circles and make it more accessible to the general public. American poet Marc Smith felt that the poetry scene had become overly formal and rigid, so he began experimenting with open-mic poetry nights by turning them into competitions. Participants were encouraged to perform their work with passion, energy, and style, helping to shake up the traditional poetry scene.

Previous Winners

2026 - Sindri Tul Muntaha
2025 - Marion
2024 - Þór Wiium
2023 - Sunna Benjamínsdóttir Bohn 
2017 - Jón Magnús Arnarsson
2015 - Halldóra Líney Finnsdóttir og Hekla Baldursdóttir 
2014 - Brynjar Jóhannesson
2013 - Kælan mikla - Sólveig Matthildur Kristjánsdóttir, Laufey Soffía Þórsdóttir og Margrét Rósa Dóru- Harrysdóttir
2012 - NYIÞ

For further information:
Guðrún Elísa Ragnarsdóttir, Project Manager
gudrun.elisa.ragnarsdottir@reykjavik.is | 411-6100