A event held at Arnolfini on Wednesday 4th February. The event starts at 19:30.
No borders, no binaries! Raise the Bar presents another quarterly evening of raucous, dynamic, thought-provoking and life-affirming poetry at Arnolfini in a special Queer Solidarity event to mark LGBTQ+ History Month. Join our four amazing guest artists as we use poetry to reach across divides and uplift other voices and struggles.
All event profits will go to to MAP - Medical Aid for Palestinians.
We are thrilled to welcome our headliners lisa minerva luxx and Jasmine Gardosi, with feature performances from AFLO. the poet and Anita Karla Kelly.
+ One of Bristol's finest DJs on the decks spinning the best queer / solidarity bangers.
Hosted by Kat Lyons (writer, performer, former Bristol City Poet).
Weds 4th February 2026
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA
19:00 doors | 19:30 - 21:30 show (includes interval)
£8 (£6 concessions, £10 solidarity)
The poets:
⭐ lisa minerva luxx ⭐
lisa minerva luxx is a British-Syrian writer and political activist. Their poetry, essays and fiction have been published internationally including by Poetry Review, Telegraph, New England Review, BBC Radio 4, Al Jazeera and their short film ‘Lesbian.’ was produced by Channel 4. In 2021 their debut collection, Fetch Your Mother’s Heart received critical acclaim. They are a platinum award-winning lyricist with Maison Arts, LA. They have written three verse plays including what the dog said to the harvest which premiered at Southbank Centre. Currently, studying their PhD in diaspora resistance poetics, they have also taught students at Columbia University (New York), American University of Beirut (Lebanon) and Queens Mary (London). In 2025 their short story collection, Raising the Sun, is set for release by Comma Press. luxx is a long-time grassroots organiser across England, Beirut and Syria. They believe in transnational community and direct action as a means of liberation.
⭐ Jasmine Gardosi ⭐
Jasmine Gardosi is the former Birmingham Poet Laureate and an Honorary Doctor of Letters. They are a multiple slam champion, beatboxer, winner of the Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry and winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Performer 2023. Their work exploring beatbox poetry, neurodivergence, LGBTQ identity and mental health has appeared on Button Poetry, at the Tate Modern, Glastonbury Festival, Symphony Hall, BBC and Sky Arts. They have been invited to perform and run workshops around the world, and their poem about the pandemic, filmed on a rollercoaster, was broadcast across America on PBS. Their debut solo single about sexuality ‘Dancing To Music You Hate’ fuses Celtic Dubstep and spoken word.
“Breaking boundaries” Pink News
“Their work, rooted in vulnerability and identity, moves audiences not just for its linguistic dexterity but for the raw, disarming honesty at its core” Vogue Philippines
⭐ AFLO. the poet ⭐
AFLO. the poet (she/they) is a Brighton-based spoken word artist, activist and academic who uses poetry as a vehicle to disrupt the status quo and inspire social change. With a bold voice rooted in lived experience, AFLO. uses poetry as a tool for resistance, healing, and radical honesty. Her performances blend sharp social commentary with deep emotional resonance, exploring themes of race, identity, mental health, and social justice.
Outside of performance, AFLO. is dedicated to community work, facilitating workshops and collaborating on creative initiatives that empower others to tell their stories. AFLO. is currently in the final year of her PhD research exploring Black people's experiences of mental distress and intimacy. She also co-founder of a local anti-racist organisation, BARCO (Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation). Her interdisciplinary approach fuses poetry with activism, education, and collective care.
⭐ Anita Karla Kelly ⭐
Anita Karla Kelly is an award-winning writer, theatre-maker, poet and facilitator based in Bristol, UK. Her work blends poetic voice, theatrical metaphor, and personal truth, often exploring themes of motherhood, queerness, memory, and identity. She has written for theatre, radio, and print, with pieces featured on BBC 4 - awarded highly commended at the BBC Audio Awards. Published by Comma Press, Dangerous Women, Bath Flash Fiction, amongst others. Anita’s work includes plays Buzzing - performed with Bristol Old Vic and Flesh, which The Guardian described as “great uninhibited writing” and “tender.”
⭐ RAISE THE BAR ⭐
The South West's leading live poetry night, running blockbuster spoken word events in Bristol and beyond since 2014.
“One of my absolute favourite poetry nights” - Hollie McNish
'One of the best poetry nights in the country' – Rafeef Ziadah
“Raise the Bar is one of the most professionally run and dynamically curated events in the country, poetry or otherwise” - Harry Baker
♿ ACCESSIBILITY / SAFEGUARDING ♿
Our events aim to be as safe, inclusive, accessible and welcoming as possible.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets. For full venue accessibility information see https://arnolfini.org.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/
⚠ CONTENT WARNING ⚠ Poetry events include performers sharing personal accounts which you may relate to in some way. This may include content that is potentially upsetting or triggering. We provide a general content warning at the beginning of each event.
SAFE SPACE
Raise the Bar has a zero tolerance policy towards hate, discrimination and abuse of any kind. Our staff team will work together to ensure the space is respectful and welcoming at all times.
Entry requirements: 18+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio
All event profits will go to to MAP - Medical Aid for Palestinians.
We are thrilled to welcome our headliners lisa minerva luxx and Jasmine Gardosi, with feature performances from AFLO. the poet and Anita Karla Kelly.
+ One of Bristol's finest DJs on the decks spinning the best queer / solidarity bangers.
Hosted by Kat Lyons (writer, performer, former Bristol City Poet).
Weds 4th February 2026
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA
19:00 doors | 19:30 - 21:30 show (includes interval)
£8 (£6 concessions, £10 solidarity)
The poets:
⭐ lisa minerva luxx ⭐
lisa minerva luxx is a British-Syrian writer and political activist. Their poetry, essays and fiction have been published internationally including by Poetry Review, Telegraph, New England Review, BBC Radio 4, Al Jazeera and their short film ‘Lesbian.’ was produced by Channel 4. In 2021 their debut collection, Fetch Your Mother’s Heart received critical acclaim. They are a platinum award-winning lyricist with Maison Arts, LA. They have written three verse plays including what the dog said to the harvest which premiered at Southbank Centre. Currently, studying their PhD in diaspora resistance poetics, they have also taught students at Columbia University (New York), American University of Beirut (Lebanon) and Queens Mary (London). In 2025 their short story collection, Raising the Sun, is set for release by Comma Press. luxx is a long-time grassroots organiser across England, Beirut and Syria. They believe in transnational community and direct action as a means of liberation.
⭐ Jasmine Gardosi ⭐
Jasmine Gardosi is the former Birmingham Poet Laureate and an Honorary Doctor of Letters. They are a multiple slam champion, beatboxer, winner of the Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry and winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Performer 2023. Their work exploring beatbox poetry, neurodivergence, LGBTQ identity and mental health has appeared on Button Poetry, at the Tate Modern, Glastonbury Festival, Symphony Hall, BBC and Sky Arts. They have been invited to perform and run workshops around the world, and their poem about the pandemic, filmed on a rollercoaster, was broadcast across America on PBS. Their debut solo single about sexuality ‘Dancing To Music You Hate’ fuses Celtic Dubstep and spoken word.
“Breaking boundaries” Pink News
“Their work, rooted in vulnerability and identity, moves audiences not just for its linguistic dexterity but for the raw, disarming honesty at its core” Vogue Philippines
⭐ AFLO. the poet ⭐
AFLO. the poet (she/they) is a Brighton-based spoken word artist, activist and academic who uses poetry as a vehicle to disrupt the status quo and inspire social change. With a bold voice rooted in lived experience, AFLO. uses poetry as a tool for resistance, healing, and radical honesty. Her performances blend sharp social commentary with deep emotional resonance, exploring themes of race, identity, mental health, and social justice.
Outside of performance, AFLO. is dedicated to community work, facilitating workshops and collaborating on creative initiatives that empower others to tell their stories. AFLO. is currently in the final year of her PhD research exploring Black people's experiences of mental distress and intimacy. She also co-founder of a local anti-racist organisation, BARCO (Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation). Her interdisciplinary approach fuses poetry with activism, education, and collective care.
⭐ Anita Karla Kelly ⭐
Anita Karla Kelly is an award-winning writer, theatre-maker, poet and facilitator based in Bristol, UK. Her work blends poetic voice, theatrical metaphor, and personal truth, often exploring themes of motherhood, queerness, memory, and identity. She has written for theatre, radio, and print, with pieces featured on BBC 4 - awarded highly commended at the BBC Audio Awards. Published by Comma Press, Dangerous Women, Bath Flash Fiction, amongst others. Anita’s work includes plays Buzzing - performed with Bristol Old Vic and Flesh, which The Guardian described as “great uninhibited writing” and “tender.”
⭐ RAISE THE BAR ⭐
The South West's leading live poetry night, running blockbuster spoken word events in Bristol and beyond since 2014.
“One of my absolute favourite poetry nights” - Hollie McNish
'One of the best poetry nights in the country' – Rafeef Ziadah
“Raise the Bar is one of the most professionally run and dynamically curated events in the country, poetry or otherwise” - Harry Baker
♿ ACCESSIBILITY / SAFEGUARDING ♿
Our events aim to be as safe, inclusive, accessible and welcoming as possible.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets. For full venue accessibility information see https://arnolfini.org.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/
⚠ CONTENT WARNING ⚠ Poetry events include performers sharing personal accounts which you may relate to in some way. This may include content that is potentially upsetting or triggering. We provide a general content warning at the beginning of each event.
SAFE SPACE
Raise the Bar has a zero tolerance policy towards hate, discrimination and abuse of any kind. Our staff team will work together to ensure the space is respectful and welcoming at all times.
Entry requirements: 18+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio