2026 National Poetry Month Ekphrastic Poetry Contest
February 4, 2026–March 4, 2026
Poetry month is just around the corner! The San Antonio Museum of Art has partnered with local poets and other art institutions to invite you to draw inspiration from works of art. Submit a poem written in response to Statue of Cybele from our collection. If you win, your poem will be shared on SAMA's blog—and at geminiink.org—during National Poetry month in April. Winners will also be invited to read at a Celebratory Event to be held at McNay Art Museum, Chiego Hall, on April 23, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public; attendees must pre-register at https://altru28005a.sky.blackbaud.com/28005a/Ekphrastic-Poetry-Celebration-Reading
What is an ekphrastic poem? An ekphrastic poem is one based on a piece of art. These poems take an existing piece of visual art and use written words to describe and expand on the theme of that work of art. Often these poems explore hidden meanings or an underlying story.
Where do I find the official contest submission guidelines and form? For the official guidelines and submission form, please visit the Google Forms submission page or use the QR code below. The guidelines and submission form can also be accessed by visiting: https://geminiink.org/ekphrastic-poetry-contest-npmsa-26/
Only poems written in response to officially selected museum artworks and submitted using the official Google Form will be considered.
February 4, 2026–March 4, 2026
Poetry month is just around the corner! The San Antonio Museum of Art has partnered with local poets and other art institutions to invite you to draw inspiration from works of art. Submit a poem written in response to Statue of Cybele from our collection. If you win, your poem will be shared on SAMA's blog—and at geminiink.org—during National Poetry month in April. Winners will also be invited to read at a Celebratory Event to be held at McNay Art Museum, Chiego Hall, on April 23, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public; attendees must pre-register at https://altru28005a.sky.blackbaud.com/28005a/Ekphrastic-Poetry-Celebration-Reading
What is an ekphrastic poem? An ekphrastic poem is one based on a piece of art. These poems take an existing piece of visual art and use written words to describe and expand on the theme of that work of art. Often these poems explore hidden meanings or an underlying story.
Where do I find the official contest submission guidelines and form? For the official guidelines and submission form, please visit the Google Forms submission page or use the QR code below. The guidelines and submission form can also be accessed by visiting: https://geminiink.org/ekphrastic-poetry-contest-npmsa-26/
Only poems written in response to officially selected museum artworks and submitted using the official Google Form will be considered.
Statue of Cybele, Roman, 1st-2nd century, marble, height: 35 9/16 in. (90.4 cm), width: 15 7/8 in. (40.3 cm), depth: 18 1/8 in. (46 cm), San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr., 86.134.113.
