Call for poetry: Ekphrastic Poetry Competition

Craven Arts Council & Gallery is proud to announce the return of the Ekphrasis Poetry Competition, inspired by the works of their signature biennial exhibition, 2026 Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition. This competition features an international open call for submissions of original poems inspired by the artwork in the exhibition. No prior experience required and all ages are welcome to apply now until August 28th at 5 pm. On September 11th from 5 – 8 pm
during Artwalk, selected poets will be awarded cash prizes at 6 pm and all poets will have the opportunity to read their original works in front of an audience at Bank of the Arts.

The Ekphrastic Poetry Competition showcases the link between different forms of art, namely the visual and the literary. Poets may enter up to 3 poems for $10 each, online at cravenarts.org, in-person at Bank of the Arts, or by mail to P.O. Box 596. Writers under 18 years old can enter the competition at no cost, and all poetry must be written from the poets’ choice of selected juried artwork from the 2026 Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition, available to view now at cravenarts.org. Cash prizes will be awarded by judge James Daniels, 1st through 3rd place including three honorable mentions.

Craven Arts welcomes this year’s Ekphrastic juror is James Daniels, professor and coordinator of Creative Writing at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&T). Dugan 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. When he is not working, he can be found engaging in community literary arts education, freelance piano-ing, reading and more. To keep up with his events and releases, follow him on Instagram @jamessolomon___ or visit sollxve.com.

Craven Arts Council & Gallery will also produce a book of artwork and poetry, Ekphrasis, from the exhibition and poetry competition to go on sale in December of 2026. For more information and to apply to the Ekphrastic Poetry Competition, visit cravenarts.org