The Poetic Sparks Poetry Competition aims to stimulate creativity in our nation’s youth. Being able to express themselves, in this instance, through poetry, will serve as a source of empowerment as it encourages them to let their voices be heard.
This competition is open to students within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis from ages seven (7) to thirteen (13). To ensure fair competition conditions, entrants’ submissions will be allocated to one of two age groups: ages 7-10 and ages 11-13.
This year’s theme is “A Sustainable Future”. Entrants are to submit a poem relating to this theme. There is also an open category where the student can submit a poem on any subject matter of his/her choice.
The themed category is mandatory, however, students are encouraged to enter both categories if they so desire.
Poems may be submitted by using our online form at www.artsarise.com/sparks or by email to poetry@artsarise.com
Uploaded entries must be typewritten at a font size no less than 12.
All submissions must be received by 10:00 PM on April 30th, 2025
Poems must be the entrant’s unpublished, entirely original work.
Poems must be free from profanity, vulgarity, and offensive language.
Poems should have a minimum of 5 lines but should not exceed 20 lines.
All poems must be submitted with a title.
A cover sheet stating the entrant’s name, age and school as well as the title of poem must be submitted on a separate sheet for each poem.
Submissions without a cover sheet will not be accepted.
The entrant’s name must not be assigned (not seen anywhere on the same page as the poem).
Each entrant retains copyright of their submission.
By entering this competition, entrants allow Arts Arise permission to publish winning poems on our website and other media channels/outlets as desired.
No additional royalties will be paid to entrants.
Each poem will be judged by a panel of at least 3 judges.
Poems will be assessed based on creativity, originality and overall artistic quality.
The judging period will run from May 1st to May 16th.
Winners will be announced on May 20th
All decisions made by the judges are final.
Relatives of the judging panel are prohibited from entering the competition.