Finding Persephone Poetry Contest 2026

The Persephone Foundation and its Finding Persephone initiatives are focused on healing, growth, and the regeneration of mind, body, and spirit. We celebrate and nurture creative regeneration through the arts, communication, and practical magic. The goal of the Finding Persephone initiative is to uplift both femininity and the arts. The Finding Persephone Poetry Contest is looking for poetry that explores what femininity means to you. All gender identities are welcome to submit. Judges & Events: The competition will be judged by acclaimed Aotearoa poets Hera Lindsay Bird, Tayi Tibble, and Cadence Chung. Two seriously fun but slightly swanky wrap events—one in Tāmaki Makaurau and one in Te Whanganui-a-Tara—will be held to celebrate submissions and the creative process in August. Winning poets will be invited to read at either or both events. Prizes: First Place: $2,500 NZD Second Place: $1,000 NZD Third Place: $500 NZD Honourable Mentions: $100 NZD and a lovely official Finding Persephone certificate of achievement. (Note: Prize money will be deposited directly into the nominated account within 30 days of receipt and acknowledgement by the author. Poets retain ownership and text copyright of any submitted poems. Poets will be notified and compensated prior to any publication by the Foundation). Eligibility: We only accept submissions from those residing within or otherwise significantly connected to Aotearoa. We will not accept poetry that was in any way created or informed by generative AI. We do not allow simultaneous submissions. Submissions must be previously unpublished (Note: We will accept poems that have previously been featured on your personal social media).