In July 2005 - 17 International Spoken Word artists and organizers met at The Banff Centre for the Arts, forming a lobby group and network to further the development of Spoken Word in Canada and Internationally.

As a collective this group, called SWAN (Spoken Word Arts Network), will function not only as artists but also as activists.

Artists as Activists – A Brief History:

The revolution of the Spoken Word was propelled in 2000 when Canada Council created what is now called the Spoken Word and Storytelling Program. This program created new professional opportunities and possibilities for artists working in the oral tradition.

In 2004 the by-laws of The League of Canadian Poets changed, making Spoken Word Artists, who do not necessarily publish their work in conventional book form, eligible for membership. These changes are emblematic of the building momentum of Spoken Word in Canada. In recent years the national profile of Spoken Word has been raised as more artists have released books, CDs, Videos, and DVDs. As a result of the increased funding and a broader community awareness, Spoken Word artists now perform their work across the country at an ever increasing number of festivals and readings series.

Artists as Activists – Diverse Voices Working Together

The unique aspect of this Banff gathering was the inclusion of, and representation from, many diverse voices and communities in Canada including urban and rural, Aboriginal, and Francophone and Anglophone. SWAN is a network where ideas diverse in nature, and in the past even isolated from each other, might not only perform together but also inform together.