Katse Espooseen Poetry Competition 65+

Announcement of the winners at the poetry event on 7 May 2026 at Iso Omena Library

Poetry exhibitions 4–23 May 2026 in the libraries of Lippulaiva, Iso Omena, Sello, Entresse, Tapiola and Kalajärvi.

What does Espoo look, smell, sound or feel like right now? How does Espoo appear in memories of the past, or what kind of future visions does it inspire? What is it like to be an Espoo resident? Participants in the poetry competition have expressed their thoughts through poetry.

Almost 100 poems were submitted to the competition, and the esteemed jury has selected the 20 best works for the poetry exhibitions. The poems and the authors’ pen names will be displayed from 4 to 23 May 2026 in the libraries of Lippulaiva, Iso Omena, Sello, Entresse, Tapiola and Kalajärvi.

The chair of the jury is author Johanna Venho. Other jury members include spoken-word poet Harri Hertell and author Sanna Vaara. Espoo Libraries are represented by literary artist Inari Mykkänen. In addition, the jury includes Erja Tikka from the Espoo Council for Older People, journalist Sakari Heiskanen and visual artist Jussi Lahtinen.

After unanimously selecting the 20 poems for the exhibitions, the seven-member jury, led by Johanna Venho, chose three prize‑winning poems. The winners will be announced at the Omppu Open Mic poetry event on 7 May 2026 at Iso Omena Library in Matinkylä at 17:30. Refreshments will be served to the first 65 attendees. Welcome!