AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS POETRY COMPETITION
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Deadline: May 31st 2025
Send your poem as a Word document to wole@humanrightsartmovement.org and copy ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org with the subject line: Human Rights Poetry Competition Submission.
The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) invites poets across Africa to participate in the African Human Rights Poetry Competition. This competition seeks to amplify voices advocating for justice, equality, and human dignity through the power of poetry.
Submission Guidelines:
Poems must focus on human rights issues such as freedom, justice, gender equality, democracy, and social justice.
All entries must be original and unpublished.
Submissions should be in English
Poets of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
Each poet may submit one entry only.
How to Submit:
1. Send your poem as a Word document to wole@humanrightsartmovement.org and copy ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org with the subject line: Human Rights Poetry Competition Submission.
2. Include your full name, country, short bio (50 words), and contact details in the body of the email.
PRIZES
First Prize - $100
Second Prize - $75
Third Prize - $50
Deadline: May 31st 2025
Winning entries will be featured in IHRAM’s publications, anthologies, and online platforms, and selected poets may receive special recognition.
Let your words be a force for change! Submit your poem today!
For inquiries, contact: (Wole Adedoyin - woleadedoyin@gmail.com)
The International Human Rights Art Festival has been featured in the New York Times, Fox Five Morning Show, NBC Live!, NY Observer, Crain’s NY Business, Metro-NY, AM-NY, Gay City News, Brooklyn Rail, and many others; we have been banned by the Catholic Church, lionized by politicians and government workers and have presented more than 1000 artists from 103 countries in our half-decade of existence!
What they’re saying about us…
A meeting place for arts, human rights and the government. This is a new kind of coming together.
Dr Sarah Sayeed, Senior Advisor in the NYC Community Affairs Unit, specializing in Muslim outreach
IHRAF is one of the only festivals of its kind. The world urgently needs artists who are creating work about human rights - especially at this point in our divisive times.
Christina Evans, Performance Artist, California
The reaction of enthusiasm from the audience showed us that IHRAF was more than just a festival to perform at--it was a platform for artistic exchange on how to use the arts to challenge the world. Love the work IHRAF does!
Shilpa Darivemula, Aseemkala Initiative
I have so much gratitude to be welcomed under the diverse & inclusive umbrella that is IHRAF. It is a gift to receive support from an organization that truly understands the role of art and it's intimate connection to activism, as a vital component to the sustainability and positive growth of our world.
Mara Rosenbloom, pianist, improviser, composer, educator
This is truly a festival for everyone and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to perform at the IHRAF. Tom is a real thought leader who has a clear vision of the role of the arts in the current world. The festival was also a great place to connect with other passionate artists and become inspired.
Sora Baek, Playwright/Performer
Of many festivals in NYC, this one aligned perfectly with my own values and the values that are inherent in my show. A great organization, very accommodating and supportive of the performer. They had a real plan for marketing that assured a good house. Start to finish, I couldn't have been more pleased with my IHRAF experience.
Mark Lanham, Playwright/Performer
In my view, IHRAF is one of the most powerful movements of the 21st century, and it is here to stay. IHRAF has revolutionized human rights through the use of arts.
Wole Adedoyin, Director, IHRAM African Secretariat
The International Human Rights Art Festival is doing an amazing work by empowering creative writers and providing them with the tools, resources and support they need to create lasting change. By fostering a community of artists and activists united in their pursuit of social justice, IHRAF has established itself as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, harnessing the transformative power of art to make the world a better place.
Stanley Umezulike, Nigeria
The International Human Rights Art Festival is the platform of possibilities and eternal optimism. It is IHRAF founder Tom Block’s brave vision that gives these new, emerging and established writers and artists an opportunity to stand up for what they believe in through their art and writing. His initiatives and projects encourage, invite and spur change to happen. Without doubt, thanks to Tom Block’s unwavering support for human rights and the arts.
Kelly Kaur, Singapore/Canada