They gather each month to share their stories through poetry, using rhythm, courage and passion to animate their words.
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On Thursday, Wollongong's poetry slam community will move to a new home in art space Studio 19 on Crown Street.
Event organiser Lorin Reid said the relaunch was designed to build Wollongong's poetry community.
"Before it was a slot in between bands at Yours and Owl, but this will have more of a lounge room feel," she said.
"There'll be a microphone in the corner and people will have three minutes to share their poems, stories, raps and monologues."
Wollongong's Zohab Zee Khan, a poetry performer, said he would be focusing on social justice in his performance tonight.
"I like to shed light on human rights causes," he said.
The 26-year-old said poetry was in his blood.
"I come from an artistic family, a long line of poets," he said.
"There's always been this rhythm inside me."
More than anything, performing poetry needed courage, Australian Poetry Slam champion and musician Jesse John Brand said.
Mr Brand will travel from Newcastle to take the mic as the slam's featured artist tonight, before flying to China for a tour.
The 23-year-old said performing at slams was an empowering experience.
"In a room with a warm audience, people tell stories about their family, loved ones, things they struggle with," he said.
Details: February 27, 6.30pm, costs $5.
Five audience members will be randomly selected as judges on the night.