This award will provide one recipient (a poet or poetry organizer) with a $2,000 payment to support an innovative poetry project.  This program has been created in memory of Barry Dempster, a celebrated poet and generous member of the Canadian Poetry community, whose work and support have touched so many readers and poets. 

The Barry Dempster Phoenix Memorial Award seeks the submission of proposals for:  

• Subsistence support during the completion of a poetry project or manuscript 

• Costs related to curating and executing a poetry festival or event  

• Expenses related to attending a literary course, writers’ retreat or development opportunity  

• Expenses related to a project that highlights, serves or educates emerging poets  

• Expenses related to engaging in a mentorship  

• Other innovative poetry projects as proposed; the program is open to creative submissions for a range of poetic activities that may not be explicitly outlined here. 

This program prioritizes poets and poetry organizers pursuing innovative, developmental, community-engaged, or career-expanding work.  

This program is also focused on supporting poets facing barriers to the development of their poetic craft or career.  

The application window will open from Tuesday September 8 to Tuesday December 1, 2026 . Find out more about eligibility and submission guidelines on the Awards and Contests page.