Notes to Nature: Annual haiku competition opens Jan. 9
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 5, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Originating in Japan, haiku is the shortest form of poetry in the world. In a short descriptive verse, it captures a moment in the poet’s life or simply expresses the beauty of nature.
Since 2014, the Golden Triangle BID in Washington has hosted the Golden Haiku poetry contest to bring pops of warmth, color, and inspiration to the streets of downtown DC during the late winter months. We invited the public to write and submit original, contemporary haiku for this temporary community art project. In 2021, we introduced a youth category, inviting students to explore haiku and perhaps become published poets.
Submissions are reviewed by an expert panel of judges; winning poets receive prizes, and winning haiku are displayed on colorful street signs in the tree boxes lining the streets of the Golden Triangle neighborhood.
The contest’s popularity has grown each year; it is internationally recognized and beloved by locals and visitors alike. In 2022, we received entries from 71 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia. See winning haiku from 2022 here.
Eligibility
The contest is open to all ages, worldwide.
2023 theme
This year’s theme is Notes to Nature. Winning haikus will be displayed on some of the most iconic streets in Washington and winning authors will receive prizes.
Prizes
First Place – $500
Second Place – $200
Third Place – $100
Regional/DC Winner – $200
Youth Category Winners:
High School Winner – $150
Elementary/Middle School Winner – $75
For guidelines and additional, complete information, please go here: https://goldentriangledc.com/event/golden-haiku/