Espoo organises “A Glance at Espoo” poetry competition for seniors
The City of Espoo is organising a poetry competition for all poets and writers aged 65 and up. You do not need to be a resident of Espoo to participate. The poetry competition is part of the “A Glance at Espoo” project, which includes not only a book, a piece of media art, and a podcast series, but also songwriting workshops at senior houses and “Generations Together” activities at residents' parks.
The competition is searching for poetry that takes a glance at Espoo: what does Espoo look, smell, sound, or feel like right now? What did Espoo look like in the past? How do you remember Espoo? What kinds of future opportunities does Espoo have to offer? What is it like to live in Espoo? Share your thoughts and ideas in the form of a poem in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
The competition is open to entries between 15 November 2025 and 28 February 2026.
The poetry competition’s panel will select 20 poems for the poetry exhibitions at Espoo’s libraries, and the winners of the competition will be announced at a poetry event on 7 May 2026. The winner will receive two season tickets to Tapiola Sinfonieta’s concerts or, alternatively, an Espoo Theatre gift card. Those who place second and third will each receive two (2) free tickets to cultural events at Sello Hall, Kannusali, or Espoo Cultural Centre.
In addition, one of the poems selected for the poetry exhibition will be turned into a song and performed at the “A Glance at Espoo” concert series in autumn 2026 (with the author’s permission).
The poetry competition’s panel is chaired by author Johanna Venho. The other panellists are poet Harri Hertell and writer Sanna Vaara, and the libraries of Espoo are represented by literary artist Inari Mykkänen. In addition, the panel includes Erja Tikka, representing Espoo’s Elderly Council, and journalist Sakari Heiskanen and visual artist Jussi Lahtinen. The panellists will only be given the poem and the author’s pseudonym.
Those looking for additional inspiration can read A Glance at Espoo book, which was written in collaboration with seniors from Espoo. You can borrow it from your local library or get your own copy from the following libraries:
For more detailed rules and instructions, visit the City of Espoo’s website.
Further information: elina.pulli@espoo.fi