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Summary

Application deadline: January 17, 2027

Open to all poets who have not published an individual chapbook or collection of poetry (including those which have been self-published; if you have poems published in journals, anthologies or other multi-author publications, you may still submit). Note: While you do not need to be a resident of Ventura County to submit, the launch event—including the awarding of the prizes—will take place in Camarillo, California, and winners will be expected to attend this event so they may receive their prizes.

Please submit up to two unpublished and original poems no more than three pages in total length. If submissions are more than three pages, the competition judge will be asked to stop reading at the end of the third page. Submissions in any standard format will be considered, but .pdf is preferred to ensure your original formatting remains completely intact. Poems do not need to be on any theme or topic; choose the one or two which best represent(s) your recent work.

Submissions will be judged by an external professional poet. All shortlisted poems will be published in an anthology that will be available at Studio Channel Islands Art Center as part of the Emergence exhibition. Shortlisted poets will also be invited to perform their poems at Poetry in the Gallery on Saturday, February 20, 2027.

The winning poem will receive the Leon Priestnall Poetry Prize of $500, and two runners-up will receive $150 each.

Application Deadline: January 17, 2027

Notifications: February 2, 2027

Booklets Available: February 16, 2027

Poetry in the Gallery: February 20, 2027