WORK IN POETRY
*submissions closed*
(ALL APPLICANTS WILL HEAR FROM US BY 30 JANUARY 2026. WE'LL INTRODUCE THE SELECTED POETS IN MARCH AS PART OF THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF OUR FULL VERVE 2026 PROGRAMME)
As part of our 2026 festival programme, VERVE Poetry Festival is excited to launch WORK IN POETRY — an open call for emerging experimental works in live poetry and spoken word. This showcase is a space for scratch performances, works-in-progress, and interdisciplinary pieces exploring the possibilities of poetry on stage.
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What We Asked For.
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We invited proposals from poets, performers, and artists working in and around poetry developing:
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Scratch performances or works-in-progress
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Experimental or interdisciplinary approaches
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Performance poetry that incorporates sound, movement, visuals, digital media, or audience interaction
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Projects that are part of a DYCP or other development process
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New voices pushing the boundaries of poetry on stage
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Old voices with new material.​
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What We Offer.
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A professionally produced slot at VERVE Poetry Festival 2026
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A £300 fee per performance (solo or group)
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Basic technical support and rehearsal time
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An opportunity to perform in front of a live audience and gather feedback
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Promotion as part of the official festival programme​​​​​​
This is a testing ground, not a finished product. We welcome risk taking, raw edges, and creativity in development.
When's the scratch event?
Date: Friday 8th May 2026
Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Birmingham Hippodrome
Fee: £300 per artist/group
Number of commissions: 4
Event type: Scratch performance showcase
WORK IN POETRY is part of our wider programme celebrating bold, innovative, and experimental voices in poetry and live literature.