Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Opens Entries for 2026 Creative Writing Competition

Writers across Jamaica and the diaspora are invited to showcase their talents as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) officially opens entries for its 2026 Creative Writing Competition and Exhibition starting June 1. This annual event celebrates and nurtures literary creativity across diverse genres.

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We are inviting writers, persons who have been writing, persons who have [always] wanted to write, students, teachers, anybody who wants to really explore this creative talent that they might have, to enter the competition.

To support aspiring and established writers, the JCDC will commence a series of workshops on May 30. These sessions will cover plays, poetry, short stories, novels, essays, and screenplays. Participants can choose between face-to-face interactions or convenient virtual attendance via Zoom, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of individuals.

Aisha Parker, Speech and Literary Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, emphasized the commission's inclusive approach. "We are inviting writers, persons who have been writing, persons who have [always] wanted to write, students, teachers, anybody who wants to really explore this creative talent that they might have, to enter the competition," she stated.

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Previously, it was limited. Persons could only enter one screenplay. But this year, we decided that we didn’t need to limit persons. If you’re a screenwriter and you have more than one body of work, we are willing to accept more than one in that area.

This year's competition introduces a significant change: the expansion of the screenplay category. Previously limited to one submission per writer, the JCDC will now accept multiple screenplays, recognizing the prolific nature of some screenwriters. Workshops will be led by notable trainers such as Trisan Brown for essays, Kwame Macpherson for short stories, and Alexis Samuels for poetry, among others.

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So persons who desire that [face-to-face] interaction can come… and those who are unable to come in…can just log on to the Zoom [platform] and participate.

The entry process is free, with submissions accepted online at jcdc.gov.jm and at JCDC parish offices. The competition is open to Jamaicans living abroad, allowing the diaspora to actively participate in local cultural events. Entries will close on June 30, providing ample time for writers to prepare and submit their work.

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A teacher might have students that they know love to write, love story writing, and so on…[They] can submit on their behalf, because the application process allows you to let us know that this is not your work.