Between the Stops Poetry Submission
CALL FOR POETS BETWEEN THE STOPS – POETRY ON PORTSMOUTH BUSES Part of POSE 2025 We’re inviting poets, writers, and lyricists to submit work for Between the Stops — a new public poetry project appearing on Portsmouth buses as part of this year’s Portsmouth Open Studios Event (POSE). Celebrating the year of literacy. Between the Stops brings poetry into our everyday. Selected poems will be printed and displayed on bus interiors across the city, offering a moment of reflection, recognition, or quiet inspiration between destinations. We’re looking for short, compelling poems (max 12 lines) that can be read in a single journey or between stops. Your words might be uplifting, thoughtful, humorous, or quietly profound – but always accessible to a wide audience. Guidelines: – Submit up to 3 poems – Max length: 12 lines – Open to all experience levels – Deadline: 22 September – Complete the Between the Stops Submission form Selected poems will feature on buses during POSE 2025, 24–26 October, forming part of a citywide celebration of creativity in unexpected places. #BetweenTheStops #CityArtsPortsmouth #POSE25 #PortsmouthOpenStudiosEvent #smmap #poseportsmouth
Why not you?
We’re inviting poets, writers, and lyricists to submit work for Between the Stops, part of POSE 2025. Selected poems will appear on Portsmouth buses and may also feature in future publications.
Criteria for Submission:
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Poems must be original work by the submitting author.
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You may submit up to 3 poems.
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Each poem must be no longer than 12 lines.
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Poems should be accessible to a wide audience (no offensive or discriminatory language).
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Works can be thoughtful, humorous, uplifting, or reflective, but should be clear and easy to read on a bus journey.
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Submission does not guarantee selection. The panel’s decision is final.
This project is in collaboration with First Bus, Stagecoach Bus and Portsmouth City Council Transport Team.