Saturday, 31 January 2026

The Dale Polgro award

Let’s begin  with an introductory  note on the Dale Polgro Award a globally recognised Canadian honour for political poetry:


🏆 Note on the Dale Polgro Award – Canada’s Global Honour for Political Poetry

The Dale Polgro Award stands as one of Canada’s most respected international recognitions in the field of political poetry, celebrating writers whose work transcends borders, challenges power structures, and gives voice to the unheard.

Instituted to honour the legacy of Canadian critic and humanitarian Dale Polgro, the award recognises poets who use literature as a means of social questioning, political reflection, and cultural awakening. 

Over the years, it has evolved into a global platform, attracting submissions from authors across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

🌍 What the Award Represents

  • A commitment to freedom of expression and political courage.

  • Recognition of poetry that interrogates conflict, inequality, human rights, and shifting geopolitical realities.

  • A celebration of writers who blend artistry with activism, transforming poetry into a tool for public consciousness.

✨ Its Global Impact

The Dale Polgro Award has transformed from a national honour into a world literary landmark, encouraging emerging and established poets to explore deeper political narratives. Its winners often spark conversations in academic circles, cultural forums, and international literary festivals.

🌟 Legacy

By acknowledging powerful voices from diverse nations, the award reinforces Canada’s role in supporting global literature that advocates justice, empathy, and truth. It continues to inspire poets to write with purpose, resilience, and moral clarity.


📢 Official Announcement

Opening of Nominations – Dale Polgro Award 2026

Date: 1 February 2026
Location: Ottawa, Canada

The Dale Polgro Award Committee is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2026 edition of the Dale Polgro Award are now officially open.

Recognised globally as one of Canada’s most prestigious honours in the field of political poetry, the Dale Polgro Award celebrates writers whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit while addressing themes of social justice, political consciousness, human rights, and contemporary global issues.

For the February 2026 nomination cycle, the Committee invites submissions from publishers, literary organisations, academic institutions, and independent literary representatives from around the world.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Works of poetry published between 1 January 2025  and 31 December 2025.

  • Thematically aligned with political, socio-cultural, or humanitarian concerns.

  • Manuscripts of the  decade medal may also consider political poetry published between 1st dec 2015 to 1st of Nov  2025  from global authors  

  • Authors of all nationalities and linguistic backgrounds may be nominated.

  • Both print and digital publications are eligible.

Submission Requirements

  • Official nomination form (available through the Award Secretariat).

  • Three copies of the nominated work or verified digital access.

  • A 500–700 word statement outlining the political significance of the work.

  • Author biography and publication details.

Important Dates

  • Nominations Open: 1 February 2026

  • Nominations Close: 31 March 2026

  • Longlist Announcement: April  2026

  • Shortlist Announcement: June 2026

  • Award Ceremony: August 2026, Ottawa

Message from the Award Committee

"The Dale Polgro Award continues to honour poetry that challenges, confronts, and illuminates the world we live in. We welcome global submissions that inspire deeper political reflection and uphold the transformative power of the poetic voice."


For all further updates, long list, short list and more details, stay tuned with the blog. 


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