Voetry: A Fusion Of Poetry And Visual Art By Affrica Spence - “Poetry Is Like A Heartbeat. It’s A Therapy For Me.”
Affrica Spence, an artist of many talents, has crafted a unique space in Toronto’s arts scene through her poetry, film, and painting. Among her many accomplishments, Spence is best known for Voetry, a spoken word anthology that blends the raw essence of poetry with visually stunning storytelling. This project has become a platform for authentic expression, particularly for Black poets and creatives across Canada.
The Birth of Voetry
Voetry began as an answer to Spence’s desire to have something of her own. “I was doing gigs in the arts, particularly in film, and realizing I was always jumping on someone's project and didn't really have my own,” she recalls. Her mother’s straightforward advice planted the seed: “She said, ‘You should just get a camera and go downtown and film... buildings, people.’” Initially resistant, Spence eventually embraced the idea. “If I were to create something, what would that be? Spoken word poetry... it has this finesse when it comes to open mic nights, where you don’t know what you’re going to get. You’re just getting a sample of someone’s truth.”
The project grew from filming solo sessions to featuring a wide range of voices. Each piece in the anthology captures the essence of a single poet, accompanied by visuals that amplify their story. “They’re standalone, focused on one individual at a time. The poems tend to be between two to five minutes—bite-sized, dramatic visuals,” Spence explains.
Poetry as a Lifeline
For Spence, poetry is a means of survival. “Poetry is like a heartbeat. It’s like a breath. It’s a therapy for me because it was a way to say the unsaid,” she shares. “When you put it on paper, or nowadays, type it into your phone, the words are almost looking back at you. It’s a version of you. Anytime you read it, or say it out loud, it’s like you’re speaking back to yourself.”
This therapeutic nature of poetry has informed Voetry’s mission. Spence describes how the project encapsulates the vulnerability and truth of open mic poetry nights: “Even if you don’t love the poem or don’t identify with it, you’re taking in a touch of that person.”
Community at the Core
Spence’s work is deeply rooted in community. “Community has saved me in many instances in my life,” she says. “It’s connected me. It’s made me feel part of something greater than myself. I love that I can pour a little bit of myself into doing that with a lot of the initiatives I have.” From its inception, Voetry was a communal effort, with friends and family helping to bring her vision to life. Today, it has grown into a collaborative platform.
“I’d like to believe I’ve connected with the poetry community—I don’t just talk at them; they feel part of the project,” Spence explains. She actively scouts poets online, at open mic events, and through submissions on her website. “It’s not necessarily the most talented that get chosen; it’s about the message we’re trying to get across in that edition.”
The Power of Representation
Though Voetry wasn’t initially centered on race, Spence acknowledges its organic evolution into a celebration of Blackness. “Black bodies are definitely a highlight,” she says. “It wasn’t on purpose at first, but that’s definitely become intentional.” For Spence, showcasing Black voices and experiences is a vital part of her work. “It’s still so unheard of to have only a Black cast that it stands out. Maybe there is a need here."
Looking Ahead
While Spence is cautious about revealing her exact plans for Voetry in 2025, she is clear about her broader goals. “I’ve been given advice from a mentor, Benny, not to lay out everything because you almost jinx yourself,” she says with a laugh. However, she hints at expanding her creative pursuits. “The next steps are really looking at me in the entirety of everything that I do. Voetry is my baby, but it’s part of a bigger community, type of hub, type of love.”
Advice to Aspiring Artists
Spence encourages new artists to take the leap: “The advice I’d give to artists looking to start is to challenge yourself to try. One of my favorite sayings is the corny Nike slogan: Just do it. It’s about action. The first time, it’s not necessarily a matter of being extraordinary. Create, love it, and see where it goes.”
Reflecting on Voetry’s journey, she adds, “This project wasn’t meant to go very far at all. I didn’t have the vision, but I had the action behind it. And that action led to being shown on Amazon Prime and in film festivals like T.O. WebFest and CaribbeanTales.”
A Labor of Love
For Spence, the success of Voetry isn’t measured in accolades but in the impact it has on her community. “The fact that I’m being recognized by my community... I’m super flattered because, in many ways, I still think of myself as this little passion project,” she says. “It’s a labor of love.”
Through Voetry, Spence has built more than an anthology—she’s created a space where poetry, art, and community intersect, leaving an indelible mark on Toronto’s creative landscape.
