The Thawra Poetry Competition 2025
Thawra has been a home for poets since it was created. Now, we would like to take it one step further by launching The Thawra Poetry Competition: a yearly competition that seeks out the best talent from the POC community.
This year’s theme is reimagining.
Terms and Conditions:
1. Organiser
Thawra ("the Organiser") is hosting the 2025 Poetry Competition ("the Competition"). By entering, participants agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.
2. Eligibility
2.1. The Competition is open to individuals who:
Identify as People of Colour (POC);
Are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry;
Are legally resident in the United Kingdom.
2.2. Employees of Thawra and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter.
3. Entry Requirements
3.1. Entries must be original, unpublished works of poetry written in English.
3.2. Each participant may submit one poem.
3.3. The poem must not exceed 50 lines.
3.4. Entries must be submitted via the official competition submission process as outlined on Thawra’s website.
4. Competition Timeline
4.1. The closing date for submissions is 1st May 2025. Late entries will not be accepted.
4.2. Longlisted entrants will be notified by 10th June 2025.
4.3. The winner will be announced by September 2025.
5. Judging and Selection
5.1. The competition will be judged by a panel selected by Thawra.
5.2. Judging will be conducted anonymously and fairly based on artistic merit, originality, and adherence to the competition guidelines.
5.3. The judges' decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
6. Prizes
6.1. The winner will receive:
A £40 book token;
A selection of books and book-related goodies;
Publication of their winning poem on Thawra.
6.2. All longlisted poets will have their work published on Thawra.
6.3. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered.
7. Rights and Permissions
7.1. By submitting an entry, participants grant Thawra a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to publish the submitted poem on its website and promotional materials related to the competition.
7.2. The copyright remains with the author.
8. Data Protection
8.1. Personal data collected from entrants will be used solely for the administration of the Competition in accordance with UK data protection laws. 8.2. Entrants may request the removal of their personal data at any time by contacting Thawra, though this may result in withdrawal from the competition.
9. Liability
9.1. Thawra is not responsible for any lost, delayed, or incomplete entries due to technical errors.
9.2. Thawra reserves the right to amend or cancel the Competition in case of unforeseen circumstances.
10. Governing Law
10.1. These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
10.2. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
For any queries regarding the competition, please contact Thawra at info@thawra.co.uk
Our 2024 winner:
Chineka Assem Maumo — Pamoja [Together]
2024 shortlist:
Haleema Ougradar — HARVESTING IN GAZA
Chineka Assem Maumo — Pamoja [Together]
Marcel Bedeau — The Painting Opposite Pollock’s
Warren Clementson — in memory of Aaron Bushnell
Esha Volvoikar — You Tell Us What To Do
Nyah Randon — Mongrel
Stuti Pachisia — Bengal Terror
Joseph Chaganiza — Spoken word poem
Madina Arisekola Alao — Oxfam