Ekphrastic Celebration
An Art Exhibition
and
Ekphrastic Poetry Competition
Art submissions open: April 22
Art submissions close: May 13
Exhibition opens: May 20
Poetry submissions open: May 21
Poetry submissions close: June 14
CALL TO ARTISTS & POETS!
2024 EKPHRASTIC CELEBRATION
The Nanaimo Arts Council invites artists and poets to participate in the 2024 Ekphrastic Celebration, where poets craft a poem about a visual they select from submitted artwork.
Phase 1: Artwork selection
The NAC Selection Committee will choose up to twenty-five original 2D works of art. There is no required subject or theme. NAC will feature the artwork in NAC’s Purple Urchin online gallery,
Art submissions open: April 22
Art submissions close: May 13
Exhibition opens: May 20
Phase 2: Poets respond to the artwork
Once opened, poets may submit a poem responding to the artwork they choose from the exhibition. There is no required subject or theme. Poems may only reference a single work of art. Poems are limited to up to 40 lines.
Poetry submissions open: May 21
Poetry submissions close: June 14
Judge Carla Stein (Warp and Weft, Tigerpetal Press, 2023; Zero Hour, Silver Bow Publishing, to be released in 2024; visual artist at Roaerie Artworks; Wordstorm Society of the Arts, artistic director) will select the top three poems, and the NAC will award prizes to artists whose artworks were chosen by the selected poets.
Award Ceremony: June 27
There is no requirement for the top poems to be about separate artworks.
- Poetry first place: $250, associated artwork: $150
- Poetry second place: $200, associated artwork: $150
- Poetry third place: $150, associated artwork: $150
General Rules and Procedures
This competition is open to Nanaimo Arts Council members. Go to https://nanaimoartscouncil.ca/get-involved/memberships/ to join.
Visual artists may submit one piece with a $10 entry fee. The jury will select up to 25 works of art.
Poets may submit up to two poems with an entry fee of $10 per poem.
- Individuals may enter as artists or as poets but not as both.
- Fees are non-refundable.
- Artists and poets must be aged 19 and above
Art Submission Rules and Procedures
- The quality of the photos is one factor in selecting artworks for the exhibition. Please review the Guidelines for submission procedures, photography tips, and other details and requirements.
- Please do not sign the art until after it has been photographed. Poets must not be able to identify the artist.
- You may sell your art. There is a 30% commission on sales through the site. Packaging and delivery costs are not included in the sale price and must be arranged between the purchaser and the artist.
Poetry Submission Rules and Procedures
- Poems must be original, previously unpublished and about a work in the Purple Urchin online exhibition. The poet’s name must not appear in their poetry submission. Individual poems may only reference a single work of art. Poems are to be formatted in 12pt font (Arial or Times New Roman are acceptable). Poems are limited to up to 40 lines. Poets are encouraged to title their works. Please list the reference artwork in your submission.
Privacy
Your privacy is assured, and we will only use your personal details for the purposes of this contest. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.
Copyright
You retain the copyright to your work. By entering this competition, you agree to give Nanaimo Arts Council a non-exclusive license to publish your work online, in-print and/or in electronic/promotional media, such as our newsletter.
Employees, program coordinators, judges and NAC Board members are not eligible to enter this competition.
Questions
Contact: maggie@nanaimoartscouncil.ca