KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s leading cultural institution, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), has launched the call for submissions for its 2026 Creative Writing Competition and Exhibition, with the official entry period set to kick off on June 1. Ahead of the entry opening, a series of preparatory workshops covering all major creative genres — including stage plays, poetry, short fiction, full-length novels, personal essays, and screenplays — will get underway on May 30, designed to accommodate participants through both in-person and digital attendance options.
Aisha Parker, Speech and Literary Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, emphasized that the competition is intentionally structured to be inclusive, welcoming creators from every experience level and background. “We are opening the door to all writers — established creators who have been honing their craft for years, aspiring storytellers who have always dreamed of sharing their work, students, teachers, and anyone who has ever wanted to explore the creative talent hiding within them,” Parker said in an official statement.
One of the most notable updates to the 2026 iteration of the competition is a policy change expanding submission allowances for the screenplay category. “In previous years, participants were only permitted to submit one screenplay for consideration. This year, we made the decision to remove that arbitrary limit. If you are a working screenwriter with multiple completed projects you are proud of, we are happy to accept every eligible piece you want to share,” Parker explained.
The pre-competition workshops will be led by a roster of acclaimed industry professionals and experienced writers, each heading sessions aligned with their area of expertise. Trisan Brown will lead essay-focused training, while Kwame Macpherson will guide short story participants. Poetry sessions will be helmed by Alexis Samuels, novel development training will be led by Lisa Tomlinson, stage play workshops will be handled by Basil Dawkins, and screenwriting instruction will be led by Sherando Ferrell.
Parker highlighted that the flexible hybrid workshop format is designed to remove barriers to participation for all interested creators. All sessions will be streamed digitally via the Zoom video conferencing platform, with a limited number of workshop locations also offering in-person seating. “For creators who thrive on in-person connection and face-to-face feedback, they can join us in person. For those who cannot travel to a workshop location, they can simply log into Zoom from home and take part just the same,” she said, adding that the accessible format makes it easy for new creators to learn, grow their skills, and connect with the JCDC’s cultural programming.
Entry to the competition is completely free of charge for all participants, with multiple submission pathways available. Creators can submit their work digitally through the official JCDC website at jcdc.gov.jm, or drop off physical submissions at any JCDC parish office across the country. The JCDC also allows third-party submissions, meaning teachers, parents, friends, or community leaders can submit work on behalf of emerging creators who may need support navigating the entry process.
“A teacher might have a classroom full of talented young writers who love creating stories, and they can submit those entries on their students’ behalf. Our entry form is designed to clearly note when a submission is entered by a third party, so there is no confusion about authorship,” Parker explained. “It doesn’t just stop at teachers, either — if you know a gifted writer at your church, in your neighborhood, or at a community group, you can reach out to them and offer to submit their work for consideration.”
In a move to strengthen ties with Jamaican creators living outside the country, the 2026 competition is also open to members of the global Jamaican diaspora. “Since all submissions can be made digitally, there is no requirement for participants to be physically present in Jamaica to enter. If you are a Jamaican creator living abroad, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to engage with local cultural programming and share your work with our community,” Parker noted.
The entry window will close on June 30, giving creators one full month to submit their work after the entry period opens. For full guidelines, eligibility details, and updates on workshop schedules, interested individuals can visit the JCDC’s official website or reach out to their nearest local JCDC parish office.