Creative Writing Awards

Each October as part of Mental Health Month mindshare hosts its Creative Writing Awards. These awards are a poetry and creative writing competition presented by mindshare, the Mental Health Coalition of SA, Writers SA and Access2Arts.

The competition is an opportunity for South Australian writers with lived experience of mental illness to share their stories, showcase their skills, discover new creative communities, and connect with industry professionals. 

Past Awards prizes have included a year-long Writers SA memberships for our category winners, and a $100 gift card for any Writers SA resources or services.

Winners have also received a mindshare Awards plaque, $50 gift voucher, and the opportunity to be profiled and interviewed on the Access2Arts website. 

Shortlisted entrants’ work is displayed across Adelaide City Libraries in October as part of the MHCSA’s Mental Health Month mindshare Exhibition.

There are four (4) award categories that include both published and unpublished poets and writers. The award categories are;

Unpublished Emerging Poets 

For poets who are in their first 5 years of writing and have had no poems published. Entered poems must be no more than 50 lines.

Unpublished Emerging Writers

Writers who are in their first 5 years of writing and have had no creative writing published. Entered prose must be no more than 750 words.

Published Established Poets
Poets who have been writing for more than 5 years and/or have had poems published. Entered poems must be no more than 50 lines.

Published Established Writers

Writers who have been writing for more than 5 years and/or have had creative writing published. Entered prose must be no more than 750 words.

Look out for our call out for entries in the middle of the year.