We’re inviting poetry and short prose submissions inspired by Men of Burnley, a short film exploring connection, community, and what it means to be human.
The film touches on themes including, but not limited to, loneliness, mental health, hobbies, the importance of conversation, community, and ideas of masculinity. Your piece does not need to directly reference the film, but it should feel in conversation with the ideas it raises.
As this work will be part of a public café exhibition for Mental Health Awareness Week, we are looking for pieces with an uplifting, hopeful feel. Please avoid content that would normally need a content warning.
What you can submit
- Poetry or short prose
- Maximum 20 lines or one side of A5
- Any style or voice, all levels of experience welcome
Who can submit
- Open to anyone
- You do not need to be a man, and the work does not need to be about men
- Open to people living in Burnley and the surrounding areas
How to submit
- Watch the full film online at:
www.burnleywordsfestival.co.uk/men-in-burnley - Email your work as a Word document attachment to:
[email protected] - Use the subject line:
Men Of Burnley – Creative Submission
Your document should include:
- Your name, as you would like it displayed publicly
- An email address, for internal use only
- Your piece, clearly titled
Deadline
Submissions must be received by 9am on Monday 20th April.
What happens next
Selected pieces will be displayed as part of a public exhibition in Down Town café, opening during Mental Health Awareness Week (week commencing 11th May).
There will also be a launch afternoon, during which contributors may read their work aloud if they wish. This is an unpaid opportunity, but all contributors will be fully credited.
