Poetry Ourselves is a statewide original poetry competition for students in grades 9-12. Whether writing lyrics to music or writing sonnets about nature, young people have important things to say. The Indiana Arts Commission seeks to celebrate young voices and youth poetry through its Poetry Ourselves program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Students in grades 9-12 in Indiana
- One poem per student
This year, students have the option to submit either a written poem or a recording of a spoken-word poem. Poems will be judged by a panel of qualified professional poets, writers, and field experts. Cash prizes are available to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in both the written and spoken-word categories.
- November 19: Poetry Out Loud Deadline for school/host sign up
- December 10: Poetry Out Loud Individual Student Sign Up Deadline
- February 14:Â Poetry Ourselves Submission Deadline
- February 17: Poetry Out Loud School Winner Videos Due to State
- March 7-11: Announcement of winners of Poetry Out Loud and Poetry Ourselves
- March 9: Poetry Out Loud State Finals (virtual)
- April 25-27: Poetry Out Loud National Finals
