2026 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest
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Call for Poetry!
Craven Arts Council’s Ekphrastic Poetry Competition returns for 2026, inspired by the works of our National Juried Exhibition. This competition showcases the link between different forms of art; the visual and the literary. The aim of the competition is to bring different types of artists together, to recognize talent in visual arts and poetry, and to help encourage those who may not normally engage in writing poetry by giving them a starting point. Poets may enter up to 3 poems for $10 each, online, in person, or by mail. Selected poems will be awarded cash prizes by a judge and poets will have the chance to read their original works at the August Artwalk on August 9th from 5 – 8 pm. Craven Arts Council & Gallery will also produce a book of artwork and poetry from the exhibition and poetry competition to go on sale in December. Youth Category This poetry competition will have a youth category! Young artists 18 and under may enter at no cost. Poetry can be submitted at 317 Middle Street, at the form at the end of this page, or by mail to 317 Middle Street, New Bern, NC, 28563. |
Meet Our Juror
James Daniels // james solomon is a Black Southern creative, educator, and community peacebuilder with poetry publications under Southern Cultures, Greensboro Review, SoftSavagePress, and others, as well as Bull City Press who published his first chapbook God-Damned Eden. He’s been teaching writing and hip-hop for 15 years, and he is currently the professor and coordinator Creative Writing at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He has also been engaged in artist organizing and community work for 10 years, now serving as the CEO of Sol Lxve Creative Studios, LLC, a Southern creative studio, and as an organizing member of the Fire and Light Collective, an arts collective dedicated to aiding folks in becoming full time artists. When he is not working, he can be found engaging in community literary arts education, freelance piano-ing, video gaming, reading, spending time with friends and family, and scouring the world for the best pizza.
To keep up with his events and releases, follow him on Instagram @jamessolomon___ or visit sollxve.com. |
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Important Dates
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Prizes |
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July 8: Ekphrastic Call Opens, Artwork images on www.cravenarts.org
August 4: Bank of the Arts Juried Exhibition opens in Main Gallery at Bank of the Arts August 28: Ekphrastic Poetry Call Deadline September 11: ArtWalk Reception, 5pm-8pm 6pm: Awards Announced, Poetry Readings |
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $150 3rd Place: $100 Honorable Mention (3): $25 |
