title: Bankstown Poetry Slam
text: # Bankstown Poetry Slam
  
  The Bankstown Poetry Slam is the largest regular poetry slam in Australia.
  
  ## History
  
  The Bankstown Poetry Slam (BPS) was founded in 2013 by Sara Mansour and Ahmad Al Rady, and held in the southwest Sydney suburb of Bankstown. Since its inception, the poetry slam has featured notable poets such as Omar Musa, Luka Lesson, Jazz Money, Rupi Kaur and Rudy Francisco. It has held grand slams at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Town Hall, and The Sydney ICC.
  
  The Bankstown Poetry Slam is currently run by Sara Mansour, Bilal Hafda, and Yasmine Lewis.
  
  In 2018, security guards were hired for the event after comments from Australian politician Mark Latham incited online threats and abuse against attendees.
  
  In May 2023, BPS won the 'Special Award' (and with it $10,000) at the Premier's Literary Award ceremony. Mansour, Hafda, and Lewis were all present to accept the award.
  
  