RULES & GUIDELINES
Francophone Poetry Contest
A few simple rules to ensure a fair, inspiring, and meaningful experience for everyone.
QUICK OVERVIEW
Language
French only
Format
PDF or DOCX
Deadline
December 9
Submission
1 poem per participant
1. Eligibility & Categories
Important
There are 9 categories for young participants in total. And 1 adult category. Each submission must be entered in the correct category.
Incorrect selection may lead to disqualification or reassignment.
Participants must select one category only, based on their current school level or status.
For young participants, categories are defined according to a structure equivalent to the French school system.
Young participants : 9 Categories
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Preschool (group participation allowed)
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Elementary school (group participation allowed)
Each grade is a separate category
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Grade 1 (CP)
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Grade 2 (CE1)
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Grade 3 (CE2)
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Grade 4 (CM1)
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Grade 5 (CM2)
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Middle School (individual participation)
Two categories:
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Grades 6–7 (6ème / 5ème)
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Grades 8–9 (4ème / 3ème)
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High School (individual participation)
Adult category (Individual participation only)
Open to all participants outside the school system
2. Submission
Each participant may submit one poem only.
For schools (youth) group submissions are only allowed where explicitly stated (Preschool and Elementary levels).
All submissions must be made through the official form on the website.
Submissions sent by email or other method will not be accepted.
3. Language, Length & Format
All poems must be written in French.
All poetic forms are accepted.
Each category has a maximum length up to 6,000 characters (including spaces): approximately 2 pages.
Submissions exceeding this limit may not be evaluated.
Files must be clear, complete and readable.
4. Originality & AI Policy
All poems must be original and unpublished.
They must not:
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be copied, adapted, or previously submitted elsewhere
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be entirely generated or significantly modified using AI
Participants must confirm this upon submission.
Any violation will result in disqualification.
5. Jury & Evaluation
All poems are evaluated anonymously by a jury of cultural and literary professionals.
Evaluation is based on:
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Emotion and authenticity
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Language quality
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Originality
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Respect of the rules
All decisions are final.
6. Rights & Data
By submitting a poem, participants agree that it may be published or shared by Culture Without Border.
This is a non-exclusive authorization. Participants retain full ownership of their work.
Personal data is used only for the organization of the contest and publishing of the anthology, handled with care.
Timeline
Writing is a space.
A space where you’re told: you can write.
People will listen. They’ll read you.
And that changes everything
Marion Fritsch
Patron of the Poetry Contest