Québec Poetry Contest 2026: "My Landscapes, My Attached Loves"

A new literary contest, the Mes paysages, mes amours rattachées (My Landscapes, My Attached Loves) poetry competition, is launching in Québec, aiming to map the province’s identity through the voices of its residents. The contest isn’t simply about identifying talented writers; it’s about building a “sensitive cartography” of Québec, rooted in personal experiences and regional connections.

A Radio Project Blossoms

The competition builds upon the success of Poésie par mots et par vaux, a program broadcast on CISM 89,3 FM, the radio station of the Université de Montréal. Beginning in 2024 as a writing workshop, the program evolved into a radio show and has since produced over sixty episodes, many focused on places that define Québec’s identity. The contest represents an expansion of this initiative, opening it up to younger generations.

Did You Know? The radio program Poésie par mots et par vaux has already produced over sixty episodes dedicated to exploring the places that define Québec’s identity.

Open to Students Across Québec

The Concours québécois de poésie 2026 is open to graduating high school students, as well as students attending CEGEPs and universities throughout Québec. Participation is free and limited to amateur poets, emphasizing discovery and mentorship. Submissions must be original French-language poems between 250 and 350 words, centered around the theme of “Mes paysages, mes amours rattachées.”

Poems will be judged anonymously by a panel of literary figures, with evaluation criteria focusing on language quality, originality, and the strength of the connection to the territory. The contest seeks poems that don’t just describe a place, but truly *evoke* it.

Expert Insight: This contest demonstrates a deliberate effort to move beyond academic exercises in poetry and toward a more embodied, place-based form of writing. By prioritizing the connection between the individual and their environment, the competition aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Québec’s diverse regions.

Key Dates and Prizes

The contest officially launches on February 2, 2026, with a submission deadline of March 2, 2026. Winners will be announced in the spring, with a prize ceremony scheduled for June 22, 2026, coinciding with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations. Over $2,500 in prizes, along with literary works, will be awarded. All submitted poems will be compiled into a collective anthology, planned for release in winter 2026.

The initiative is supported by a network of cultural, institutional, and educational partners, reflecting a broader goal of re-establishing poetry’s presence in public life, particularly among young people. The project aims to demonstrate the power of words to connect people to their surroundings and to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central theme of the poetry competition?

The central theme is “Mes paysages, mes amours rattachées” (My Landscapes, My Attached Loves), inviting poets to explore their connection to the Québec landscape.

Who is eligible to participate in the contest?

The contest is open to graduating high school students, CEGEP students, and university students in Québec.

When is the deadline for submitting poems?

The deadline for submissions is March 2, 2026.

As Québec’s landscapes continue to evolve, this contest offers a unique opportunity to explore what truly connects people to a place. Will this initiative inspire a new generation of poets to capture the essence of Québec through their words?

Québec Poetry Contest 2026: “My Landscapes, My Attached Loves” – Submit Now!