Knowledge Is Power Wins After-89 Songwriting Prize

The REF-supported Slam Poetry group, A Tudas6alom (Knowledge is Power), was among two finalists to be awarded a cash prize in this year’s

The REF-supported Slam Poetry group, A Tudas6alom (Knowledge is Power), was among two finalists to be awarded a cash prize in this year’s After-89 Song Contest co-organized by the Central and Eastern European Association for History and Social Research on June 20, 2014.

Chosen by a four-member jury  composed of some of Hungary’s leading cultural personalities like singers Veronika Harcsa and Feró Nagy, the musician Jenő Menyhárt  and the poet Lili Kemény  Knowledge is Power was recognized for its artistic merit and contribution to the public interest.

Taking its cue from Hungary’s vibrant Slam Poetry scene, Knowledge is Power released a video clip in February 2014 that urged children and youth to communicate with one another about the value of quality, inclusive education and staying in school. Shot on location in one of Budapest’s inner city study halls for disadvantaged youth, Knowledge is Power called for Roma and non-Roma youth to submit their videos and poems to the campaign. Its positive message and constructive approach quickly gained an audience.

This year’s Knowledge is Power campaign culminated in a workshop, rehearsal and final revue held at Prezi HQ on June 19 as part of REF’s ongoing strategy to build broad coalitions that recognize the value of education, including Hungary’s growing start-up community.

Among the promising submissions from across Hungary, Benedik Domokos was awarded a prize for Best Young Slammer and the group Kekvonal from Keckemet were awarded a prize for Best Video Clip in front of an enthusiastic crowd of slammers, activists, students, educators, parents and technology professionals.   

Knowledge is Power has topped 80,000 views at the time of writing and has been REF’s most successful communication campaign to date.