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Poetry prize opens with emphasis on empathy

Entries are now open for the  2018 Australian Catholic University Prize for Poetry, with poets writing to the theme of 'Empathy'.

This annual poetry competition aims to support writers and to continue the tradition of the Catholic Church as a key patron of the arts.

Australian poet, distinguished academic, and critic Chris Wallace-Crabbe judges the prize. Professor Wallace-Crabbe is one of the best-known figures in Australia’s literary community and enjoys a wider reputation in the international world of letters.

The prize is made possible through the sponsorship of the Office of the Vice President of ACU, with a grand prize of $10,000 for the winner, $5,000 for the second prize and $3,000 for the third prize.

Vice President Father Anthony Casamento CSMA said poetry continued to be a valuable art form. “Poetry has previously been seen as the poor cousin in the literary world, but it holds such power to put expressions of great emotion into print and to share those feelings with others. The University wants to provide a voice to those who can capture the art of poetry and to nurture those who tell stories through their poems.”

The winning and shortlisted poems will be published in a chapbook which will be launched during the announcement of shortlisted, commended and winning poems on Thursday 6 September in Melbourne.

Following the growing popularity of the contest, online submission of entries has been introduced this year in addition to submission by post.

Australian residents, including any international student currently studying at an Australian university, are eligible to enter as long as their poem has not previously been published or won any other literary prize.

Contact details

For further information about the ACU 2018 Prize for Poetry, visit www.acu.edu.au/literature-prize

Entries open Monday 5 March

Entries close 5pm EST Friday 20 July 2018

Enquiries can be made to: aculiterature@acu.edu.au

Get involved on social media using the hashtag #ACUpoetry