2026 National Poetry Month Ekphrastic Poetry Contest
February 4, 2026 – March 4, 2026
Online
Philip Grausman, "Victoria," 1991-2000, cast 2007. Museum purchase with the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts. © Philip Grausman
2026 National Poetry Month Ekphrastic Poetry Contest
February 4, 2026 – March 4, 2026
Online
04
Wed
Feb
In celebration of National Poetry Month, we partnered with Gemini Ink, local poets, and other art institutions to invite you to write a poem inspired by an artwork from our Collection. Submit a poem written in response to Victoria by Philip Grausman, an evocative sculpture from our collection. The winning poems will be shared online in April to celebrate National Poetry month. The winners will also be invited to read at a celebratory reading by winning poets to be held at the McNay on April 23, 2026.
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.
What to Submit
Find the official contest submission guidelines and form here.
Only poems written in response to officially selected museum artworks and submitted using the official Google Form will be considered. Submission will be accepted from February 4 to March 4, 2026.
Celebration
The McNay will host a celebratory reading for contest winners on April 23, 2026. Details coming soon.
To further celebrate National Poetry Month, on April 18, 2026 the McNay will host Hike the McNay: The Poetry Hike.
Guidelines
- San Antonio and South Texas residents may submit up to two (2) poems.
- Each poem can be a max. of 15 lines plus a title.
- Poem must be in PDF format.
- No name or identifying information on poem.
- Only poems written in response to officially selected museum artworks will be considered.
- One form per submission (e.g. If submitting a second poem, simply submit a separate form for 2nd poem).
- Only submissions following these guidelines will be accepted.
- Only winners will be contacted via email. Winning poems will be posted at the museum links shown above and at Gemini Ink Ekphrastic Poetry Contest.
Deadline
Submit work from February 4 to March 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM CT.
Winners Announced Here
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