SUPPORTING THE YOUTH - Young writers in HCM City have received support from publishers, newspapers and magazines to release their works. Photo from of the organiser.

HCM CITY — The Hồ Chí Minh City Writers’ Association and Tạp Chí Văn Nghệ Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh (HCM City Literature & Arts ) magazine have launched a poetry contest for professional and amateur authors.

The 2023 Poetry Writing Contest to celebrate National Reunification Day on April 30 and May Day seeks works by Vietnamese writers of all ages in the country and overseas with themes about life, love and people.

Traditional culture and lifestyle, and natural heritage values are also featured.

Women and children living in remote areas are encouraged to submit works.

It aims to find and support new and talented writers, and bring writers and publishers together to offer new, quality works to readers.

Famous poets Hồ Thi Ca and Trần Hữu Dũng are invited to be part of the jury.

A staff of well-known authors will guide the contest’s participants, if they want, before they submit their work.

One first prize of VNĐ15 million (US$600), two second and three third prizes worth a total of VNĐ70 million (US$3,000) in cash will be presented.

“Our contest will give Vietnamese writers from around the world a chance to introduce their works and develop their careers,” said author Bùi Anh Tấn, deputy-in-chief of Tạp Chí Văn Nghệ Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh, head of the contest’s organising board.

Tấn’s magazine has discovered and supported many writers, particularly amateur and young poets, to become popular among readers.

Participants in the 2023 Poetry Writing Contest must submit their work to the organising board at 81 Trần Quốc Thảo Street, District 1 in HCM City or via email tapchivannghetphcm@gmail.com.

Entries should be sent by January 29, 2024.

The best works will be published in Tạp Chí Văn Nghệ Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh Văn Nghệ every month before the prize presentation ceremony scheduled in April, 2024. — VNS