Important Dates

• Submissions open: 9 February 2026

• Deadline: 30 May 2026

• Shortlist announcement: June 2026

• Anthology launch & readings: August 2026 at the Kenmare Arts Festival

Eligibility

• Open to anyone resident in Ireland (32 counties) aged 18+ years

 

Submission Categories & Requirements

Poems

• 1 or 2 poems may be submitted inspired by the selected artworks

• Length: 30 lines max 

• Any poetic form or style

• Must be original, unpublished, and written solely by the entrant

• No AI-generated writing

Formatting

• English language

• Submit as .doc or .docx

• 12-point font, single-spaced

• No author name on the poem file

 

How to Submit

Please submmit online by clicking Submit Button​​

 

Judging

• All submissions are judged anonymously

• Notification by email or text

• Shortlist and results announced via the Kenmare Arts Festival website

• Judges’ decisions are final

 

Publication & Readings

• A selection of poems will be published in the Poets Meet Painters Anthology (2026)

• Winning and commended contributors will be invited to public readings during the Festival

• Submission grants permission for:

  • Launch events

  • Public readings

  • Limited online or print sharing to promote the anthology

 

Copyright

• Copyright remains with the author

• By submitting, entrants grant a non-exclusive licence to Mill Cove Gallery to publish and publicly present the work in association with the anthology and promotional events

 

Data Protection

• Personal data (name, address, email, phone) used only for administration and publication communication

• Data is retained only for the duration of the competition and production period

 

General Notes

• Entries will not be returned — please keep a copy

• Editors may make light copy-editing changes

• Organisers reserve the right not to publish if work does not meet the standard or is legally problematic

We look forward to reading your work and honouring the voices that helped shape Ireland’s queer story.

Queries: millcovegallery@gmail.com