March 10, 2026 - Toronto, ON - Verse & Visual Expressions will present its Verse & Vision Spring 2026 Showcase on March 29th at The Drake Underground, bringing together emerging Black youth artists for an evening of social justice storytelling through the power of spoken word and visual art. The showcase marks the culmination of several months of artistic incubation where youth participants explored interdisciplinary social justice-based storytelling with the intention to create visual art backdrops that immerse themselves and the audience in their spoken word performances.

This year’s showcase also marks a milestone for the program, as artists from three Verse & Vision cohorts will share the stage for the first time, highlighting the growing creative community that has emerged through the initiative.

The evening will feature:

*Spoken word performances and artist talk with V&V Spring 2026 artists Ariesha Mais, Eloya Williams, Nathan Nicholas, Gracian Ndi, Pharaoh, Sagal Duale, and Savannah Lavallée

*Co-Hosts from V&V + JAYU’s Fall 2025 artists, Mo and Emani Lemon

*Guest performances with V&V Summer 2025 artists Jevon Icarus, Sol, Declan David, and RJ Bardhun.

*Open mic performances (open to attendees)

By combining spoken word and visual art, the program provides a platform for youth voices while fostering community dialogue and artistic growth. The Spring 2026 Showcase invites audiences to witness the power of storytelling as a tool for reflection, connection, and social change.

This event and program is made possible with funding from the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council and ArtReach; and Ontario Arts Council.

Event Details

Event: Verse & Vision Spring 2026 Showcase

Date: March 29, 2026

Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM | Doors Open at 12:45

Location: The Drake Underground, Toronto

Tickets are $10 earlybird until March 28 and $15 at the door (cash only).

Tickets and event details:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/verse-vision-spring-2026-showcase-tickets-1983717163436?

About Verse & Visual Expressions

Verse & Visual Expressions is a multidisciplinary collective founded by artists Jasmine Vanstone and Shelly Grace. The collective explores the intersection of poetry and visual art while centering the narratives of equity-deserving artists. Their vision is to create transformative artistic experiences that encourage self-expression, collaboration, and community building, while amplifying underrepresented voices within the arts sector.

Media Contact

If you have any questions or media inquiries, please contact Verse & Visual Expressions:

Email: verseandvisualexpressions@gmail.com

Instagram: @verseandvisualexpressions

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