Matthew Lanyon Poetry Prize 2026

The Matthew Lanyon Archive is delighted to announce a new national poetry prize, celebrating the life and creative legacy of Cornish artist Matthew Lanyon (1951-2016).

Poets are invited to submit up to two poems that respond to Matthew’s work in new and intriguing ways. The theme for this year’s competition is ‘The Archaeology of Tomorrow’.

A cash prize of £500 will be awarded to the overall winner. The winner and 5 highly commended poets will have their poems published on the Matthew Lanyon website.

An additional prize is available for a poet from or living in Cornwall; they will receive £200, and have the opportunity to be published in the Guillemot Press online journal.

Judges: Luke Thompson, Judith Lanyon and Zelda Cahill-Patten

The competition opens for entries on 30th March 2026.