2nd Annual Ekphrastic Poetry Contest showcases wider variety of art to inspire New Mexico poets

Following its inaugural success earlier this year, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) is proud to announce that the 2nd Annual Ekphrastic Poetry Contest has launched, with even more works of art from across New Mexico to serve as inspiration for poets and writers. 

"This spring, the 1st Annual Ekphrastic Poetry Contest inspired poets from every corner of our state with artworks selected from 10 museums and Historic Sites,” said NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego. “In its second year, we’ve found an even broader selection of photos, paintings, collages, and other artworks that speak to New Mexico’s cultural heritage.” 

After launching in March, the 1st Annual Ekphrastic Poetry Contest awarded 15 adult and youth winners across New Mexico, from Albuquerque to Questa to Hobbs. This year, NMDCA has expanded from 10 divisions to 15, and extended the contest window to give even more New Mexicans a chance to participate. 

"This annual contest continues to showcase not only the diversity and beauty of art on display across the Department of Cultural Affairs, but also the talent and creativity on display throughout New Mexico,” said Noël Bella Merriam, Artistic Director at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and one of the contest judges.  

In preparation for National Poetry Month in April, NMDCA divisions across New Mexico have selected 15 works of art that showcase the best of their collections. These images are on display at nmculture.org/poetry and represent the variety of art, history, and science on display across the state. From a Polychrome pottery tile depicting a slice of life from Santa Clara Pueblo from the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture to a rendering of a newly discovered tyrannosaur from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, each of the various artworks selected this year speak to New Mexico’s cultural heritage in their own special way. 

Through Feb. 7, 2025, New Mexico residents will have the chance to write and submit ekphrastic poetry that responds to any of these 15 selected artworks. Drawing from the Greek word ekphrasis, meaning “description of a work of art,” an ekphrastic poem is one that’s inspired by works of art. Ekphrastic poems may be any length and use any poetic style, but submissions must be complete poems and must respond to the works of art on display. 

Contestants may upload their poem by clicking the ‘Submit’ button on nmculture.org/poetry. The contest includes two categories, Youth (6th to 12th graders only) and Adult. Please select your category when you submit your poem. Individuals may submit one poem for review during the contest. All poems must be submitted by Friday, February 7, 2025.  

Each submission will be judged anonymously by a panel of experts. From there, 10 Adult winners and 10 Youth winners – one winner for each artwork on both tracks – will be selected by the panel and announced on April 15. Winners will receive a pair of NMDCA Culture Passes, which allows access to each of NMDCA’s 15 museums and historic sites, and other fun surprises. Head to nmculture.org/poetry today to learn more and get inspired by the artworks on display! 

About New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs: Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) is New Mexico’s cultural steward, charged with preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural riches. With its eight museums, eight historic sites, arts, archaeology, historic preservation, and library programs, NMDCA is one of the largest and most diverse state cultural agencies in the nation. Together, the facilities, programs, and services of the Department support a $5.6 billion cultural industry in New Mexico.