From 12 to 20 September 2026, the Polish Social and Cultural Centre in London will host the ‘1st Festival of Polish Culture in the British Isles: Polish, Very Polish’.

The Polish Social and Cultural Association in London (POSK) and the Pomysłodalnia Foundation are announcing a special Open Call as part of the 1st Festival of Polish Culture in the British Isles!

This is the perfect opportunity for Polish poets and artists living in the UK to showcase their work to a wider audience.

Literature:
The Polish Social and Cultural Centre in London invites Polish poets living and working in Great Britain and Ireland to submit poems for a poetry annual, which will be presented during an exhibition opening (wernisaż) as part of the 1st Festival of Polish Culture in the British Isles in September 2026.

The aim of the initiative is to present as broadly as possible the wealth of poetic creativity by Polish authors creating outside the Homeland.

Selected works will be included in an anthology published as a PDF e-publication presented on the websites of the organizers and partners.

Publication and exhibition opening: 12-20 September 2026, POSK in London.

We are waiting for 5 poems, from which the Organizer may choose a maximum of 2 for the volume, a photo of the Author, and a short biographical note (up to 500 characters with spaces).
Deadline for submissions: until 31 July 2026 to the email address: festiwal@posk.org

Terms of participation in the project:
Authors agree to the free transfer of works for the purpose of general public availability on the Internet.
The Organizer reserves the right to select works for publication.
We warmly invite you to participate!

Poetry Slam:
An opportunity to present (up to 3 minutes) your own poetry live in front of an audience.
Any theme is welcome (suggested topics: the 100th anniversary of Gdynia, the works of A. Wajda or J. Conrad Korzeniowski).

Idea: Each participant will receive up to 3 minutes to present their text in the Polish language in front of an audience.

The theme of the presented works can be anything, but welcome topics include:

• The 100th anniversary of Gdynia
• The works of Andrzej Wajda
• The works of Józef Konrad Korzeniowski

Performances will take place in an order determined by drawing lots.

The Slam is a competition, after the presentations, three people will be selected to receive material prizes.

Terms of participation:

• To qualify for the Slam, the applying creator must send an application containing a short biographical note (up to 500 characters). Acceptance is based on the order of applications received (up to 25 people). Selected individuals will be notified by email.
• The applicant declares that they are the author of the pieces presented during the Slam. The applicant assumes all responsibility for any violation of third-party rights.
• At the same time, they guarantee that the pieces will not offend, discriminate against, or slander anyone.
• The use of instruments, musical backing tracks, and props is prohibited.
• Each participant will be evaluated by the audience after reading their poem.
• There will be a maximum of 3 rounds (each participant must be prepared to present 3 pieces).

Prizes await the best performers!

Important information
Application deadline: 31 July 2026.
Applications to: festiwal@posk.org
Final and events: 12–20 September 2026 at POSK

See further information HERE