Forward Arts Foundation Announce 2024 Forward Prizes for Poetry Shortlists

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 the newest prize category; Jerwood Prize for Best Single Poem – Performed, which celebrates the vitality of the spoken word scene and showcases new talent and strives to bridge the divide between page and stage.

The 20 poets shortlisted for the 2024 Forward Prizes for Poetry were announced on 17^th July. Commenting on the fact these shortlists capture the lived experience of the world today. Co-Executive Director of the Forward Arts Foundation, Mónica Parle adds “and respond to the urgency of these times like no other artform.”

The shortlist for Jerwood Prize for Best Single Poem Performed are ‘Ghazal, screaming’ by Toby Campion, ‘Nearly White Girl Girling on Behalf of Proximity to Mammal’ by Eve Esfandiari-Denney, ‘Dear John Berger’ by Leyla Josephine, ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ by Nasim Rebecca Asl and ‘What Grief Feels Like to Me’ by Michael Pedersen.

This year’s winners will be announced at a special ceremony opening at Durham Book Festival on 10th October 2024. For further information please visit  Forward Arts Foundation.