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- Tasks: Submit original poetry exploring disability, identity, and empowerment.
- Company: Our Right to Thrive, a project led by disabled artist Ivan Riches.
- Benefits: Chance to be published online and win cash prizes.
- Why this job: Share your voice and experiences while celebrating disability pride.
- Qualifications: Open to disabled poets at any stage of their writing journey.
- Other info: Submissions close on 23 February 2026; all styles welcome.
Our Right to Thrive (ORTT) is a creative writing and multimedia poetry project led by disabled artist Ivan Riches. The initiative is for disabled writers and focuses on building community, sharing experiences of ableism, and using poetry and stories to support empowerment. Through webinars with disabled speakers and an ORTT blog, the project explores disability pride, challenges discrimination, and celebrates disabled people's right to thrive.
We invite disabled poets to submit original poetry exploring disability, identity, justice, resistance, and thriving. We aim to publish poetry submissions on the Our Right to Thrive blog. Alongside the offer to publish your poetry online, we are also offering three prizes for poems on the theme of 'our right to thrive'.
- First prize: £100
- Second prize: £50
- Third prize: £25
The competition seeks poems that speak honestly, creatively, and powerfully about disabled lives – in all their complexity. We welcome work from poets of all backgrounds, at any stage of their writing journey, and across all forms and styles of poetry.
Themes
- Lived Experience: What it means to be disabled in a mostly non-disabled society. This can include daily life, identity, visibility and invisibility, hidden disabilities, belonging, survival, and joy.
- Barriers and Systems: Poems exploring lack of financial, structural, educational, or employment support, and the systems that create or maintain inequality for disabled people.
- Power, Politics, and Protest: Poems responding to government decisions, proposed cuts, policy, and their personal and collective impact on disabled people.
- Reclaiming the Narrative: Poems about resistance, breaking down barriers, changing perceptions, disabled people's contributions to society, community, hope, pride, and what it means to thrive rather than merely survive.
What we are Looking For
- Honest and original
- Politically aware or deeply personal (or both)
- Angry, tender, defiant, joyful, or reflective
- Rooted in lived experience
There is no "right" way to write about disability – all voices, styles, and approaches are welcome.
Requirements
- Poems must be original. If the poems have been previously published, you will be asked to provide details.
- We will accept up to 2 poems per person.
- Poems must be a minimum of 5 lines and a maximum of 25 lines each.
- Poets must be based in the UK.
Accessibility
We are committed to making this competition as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments or would prefer to submit in a format that's more accessible for you, please contact us at admin@disabilityarts.online or 07751 175389.
All selected poems responding to the above submission themes will be published on the DAO 'Our Right To Thrive' blog. Please note we cannot guarantee that we can faithfully replicate complex non-linear or visual poetry layouts.
If enough poems are sent into the Our Right To Thrive competition, DAO will look to publish an 'Our Right To Thrive' anthology via an online digital platform.
Judging Criteria
All poems will be read with care and respect. Judges will be looking for:
- A clear, original voice – poems that feel honest and true to the writer
- Connection to the themes – thoughtful responses to lived experience, barriers, resistance, pride, or thriving
- Effective use of language – purposeful word choices, imagery, rhythm, or form (traditional or experimental)
- Emotional impact – poems that move, challenge, or stay with the reader
- Overall strength – how well the poem works as a complete piece
What We Value
We are not looking for "perfect" poems. We value honesty, creativity, risk‐taking, and lived experience over technical polish. Poems may be raw, experimental, political, gentle, or celebratory. All styles and approaches are welcome.
All poems will be read with care and respect by poets Ivan Riches and Kuli Kohli.
Submission
Please upload your poem via the online submission form. Submissions close on 23 February 2026. Final decisions will be made during March 2026.
Call for Submissions: Our Right to Thrive Poetry Competition in London employer: Disability Arts
Contact Detail:
Disability Arts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Call for Submissions: Our Right to Thrive Poetry Competition in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in the community! Attend webinars and events related to disability and poetry. This not only helps you connect with like-minded individuals but also gives you insights into what resonates with others, which can inspire your own writing.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t shy away from sharing your work! Use social media platforms to showcase your poetry and engage with other poets. The more you share, the more feedback you’ll get, and it can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
✨Tip Number 3
Make sure to read widely! Explore different styles and voices in poetry, especially those that focus on disability and lived experiences. This will not only enrich your own writing but also help you find your unique voice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! When you're ready to submit your poetry, make sure to use the online submission form. It’s straightforward and ensures your work gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you could snag one of those awesome prizes!
We think you need these skills to ace Call for Submissions: Our Right to Thrive Poetry Competition in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your poem, let your true voice shine through. We want to hear your honest experiences and feelings about disability, so don’t hold back! Remember, there’s no ‘right’ way to express yourself.
Stick to the Guidelines: Make sure your poem meets the requirements: original work, between 5 to 25 lines, and focused on the themes we’ve outlined. This helps us ensure that your submission fits perfectly with what we’re looking for!
Edit and Revise: Take some time to review your poem before submitting. We all know that first drafts can be a bit rough around the edges. A little polishing can make a big difference in how your message comes across!
Submit Online: Once you’re happy with your poem, head over to our website to submit it via the online form. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to read what you’ve created!
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Arts
✨Know Your Themes
Before the interview, dive deep into the themes of the competition. Familiarise yourself with concepts like lived experience, barriers, and reclaiming narratives. This will help you articulate your thoughts and show how your poetry aligns with the project’s vision.
✨Showcase Your Voice
Be prepared to discuss your unique voice and style. Think about how your poetry reflects your experiences and perspectives on disability. Sharing personal stories can create a strong connection with the interviewers and demonstrate your authenticity.
✨Engage with the Community
Research the community around the ORTT project. Understanding the work of Ivan Riches and other disabled artists can give you insights into the project's ethos. Mentioning specific examples during your interview can show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Craft a brief pitch about your poetry and its relevance to the competition themes. Practising this will help you communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. Remember, it’s not just about the words; it’s about conveying your passion for the subject matter.
