It’s a celebration of self-expression and the powerful art form of poetry.
The Every Voice Poetry Contest, with categories for youth and adults, is a pilot project, with organizers envisioning an annual celebration of local literary talent.
It’s a partnership between Stratford’s Poet Laureate, David Stones, Destination Stratford and Stratford Public Library.
Stones said the contest is a mainstay of his poet laureate mandate. The focus of his three-year term is to “bring poetry to the people, and people to poetry.”
This year’s theme is “resilience,” building toward a published anthology and award ceremony scheduled for April, coinciding with National Poetry Month.
The contest is open to Perth County youth ages eight to 18 and adults aged 19-plus.
An editorial panel will oversee entries, ensuring a ‘rigorous and fair evaluation’.
Contest guidelines, submission details, and deadlines, are available at the Stratford Public Library website.
