2019 ACU Prize for Poetry now open

Entries are now open for one of Australia’s richest poetry competitions offering $18,000 in prizes.

The 2019 ACU Prize for Poetry will be awarded for outstanding poetry with the theme Solace, reflecting on Anne Frank’s supposition:

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God … I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”

The competition is open to Australian residents, including international students currently studying at an Australian university.

Entered poems must be unpublished (including on any website or blog), must not have won any other competition, and must not be under consideration by any publisher, literary journal or for any other prize. 

This year’s judge is poet, distinguished academic, critic and generous contributor to literary culture, Emeritus Professor Chris Wallace-Crabbe who is one of the best-known figures in Australia’s literary community.

1st Prize: $10,000
2nd Prize: $5000
3rd Prize: $3000

Entries close: Monday 8 July 2019
Shortlisted, commended and winning poems announced: Tuesday 10 September 2019 in Melbourne

Find out more about how to submit via Australian Catholic University.

Good luck to everyone entering this excellent competition.