Forward Arts Foundation: Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection

Since 1992, the Forward Prizes have been one of the most influential international platforms for recognising and celebrating the power and diversity of contemporary poetry published in the UK and Ireland. These Prizes are awarded in four categories; Best Collection, Best First Collection, Best Single Poem – Written and Best Single Poem -Performed.

This grant of £70,000 awarded over two years, builds upon Jerwood Foundation’s previous support of Jerwood Prize for Best Single Poem Performed in 2024. In recognition of the current two-year support, the category of Best First Collection will be named; Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection. This is a vital award for the most exciting debut poetry collection published in the UK or Ireland, with a prize of £5,000.  In an era in which many literary prizes have closed, it’s so important to honour the incredible achievements of debuts.  This award has long been a springboard for emerging poetic talent. Past winners include acclaimed voices such as Emily Berry, Ocean Vuong, and Caleb Femi. The prize’s inaugural recipient in 1992 was Simon Armitage, now the UK Poet Laureate, who described the recognition as “a confidence or affirmation that said… we hear you. Do some more.”

 

Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee Jerwood Foundation said:

This ongoing partnership with Forward Arts Foundation, and support of the Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection, underlines Jerwood’s ongoing commitment to supporting excellence and emerging talent and recognises the importance of literary prizes for emerging poets.

William Sieghart, founder of Forward Arts Foundation, said:

We're so pleased to have the support of Jerwood Foundation for another two years. The association with such a visionary funder for the arts is wonderful for us, and particularly their lending their name to this prize that has supported a generation of emerging poets feels fitting to their track record. 

The Forward Prizes serve as a beacon for emerging poets, offering invaluable exposure and career advancement opportunities.

For Further Information please visit Forward Arts Foundation.

July 3, 2025