2025 Poetry Challenge

Decolonising Minds and Shared Identities

What do we mean by “Decolonising Minds”?

In a time of division and polarisation, we want to highlight what we all have in common and build on the foundations of togetherness. Decolonising minds means questioning how colonialism has shaped how we think, speak, and see the world, and breaking down structural ways of thinking. It’s about reclaiming our stories, languages, and perspectives that have been overlooked or silenced while creating space for new narratives to emerge. Shared identity reminds us that, despite our differences, we’re interconnected through our humanity, resilience, and creativity.

Poetry is a powerful tool for this work. It breaks boundaries, allowing us to express truths that don’t fit into rigid frameworks. It invites us to challenge stereotypes, and celebrate diversity, fostering deep connections in the process. By writing and sharing poetry, we can dismantle old ways of thinking, honour our histories, and imagine a future where every voice matters.

Social cohesion is vital in holding communities together. This year’s theme celebrates the unique cultural heritages that make up our shared world while exploring poetry’s role in fostering mutual respect, understanding, and liberation. We believe poetry is a transformative tool in the creative process of “decolonising minds” and generating fresh, shared identities.

THE WINNERS

In our second year of running the challenge we received over 650 poems that explore our country’s rich mix of shared identities and even dug deeper to understand how we can decolonise our minds..

After careful consideration our esteemed panel of judges chose six poems to win a prize.