We don’t remember a year with so many opportunities for creative people in our community, young and adult, to show their work to a broader audience. Kudos and congratulations to the organizations and institutions which this summer have come up with five stimulating contests. The contests not only encourage creativity, but also in an attractive way promote deeper knowledge about Poland and Polish heritage. In addition, two competitions promote the learning of the Polish language by encouraging or allowing submissions in Polish, which is very commendable as well.
We invite our readers to participate and spread the news!
Below are descriptions of the competitions, in chronological order, according to the deadlines for submissions.
1. (Competition for YOUTH) “Poland, Close to My Heart 2025” Essay Writing Competition for this year’s graduating high school seniors, sponsored by Polish American Congress-Michigan Division and Royal Eagle Foundation (a.k.a. Polish-American Congress of Michigan Charitable Foundation. Submissions accepted through June 30.
Eligibility: This year’s high school graduates who successfully completed their final year of high school, are of Polish descent, and intend to continue their education at universities or post-secondary schools.
Contest Requirements:
1. Write an essay, minimum 750 words, on one of the following topics:
a. The Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” and its significance in the creation of the Third Polish Republic in 1989.
b. The Millenium of the Kingdom of Poland – the Coronation of Boleslaw the Brave in 1025.
c. My favorite Polish tradition and its significance.
d. How to maintain Polishness in our Polish community in Michigan.
2. The composition should preferably be written in Polish with references to the materials used. AI may not be used.
Please send your work to office@pacmi.org or Polish American Congress-MI, 2975 E. Maple Rd., Troy, MI 48083 by June 30, 2025. Provide your name, address, phone number, and, in the case of electronic submission, email address.
The competition results, number of winners, and the size of the prizes will be announced on July 10, 2025.
Please direct any questions to Ms. Jolanta Hałaczkiewicz or Ms. Irene Dziechciarz by e-mail at office@pacmi.org or by calling (313) 365-9400.
2. (For EVERYBODY) The Documentary and Short Film Competition organized by the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival: the deadline to submit your film is August 1.
The organizers are seeking a selection of the best new documentaries and short narrative films and are looking forward to seeing your latest production!
Winners will be awarded in three categories:
– Ewa Pięta Award for Best Documentary ($1000)
– Andrzej Dolata Award for Best Debut ($1000)
– Annette & Waldemar Raczkowski Award for Best Short Narrative Film ($1000)
Eligibility: Films must meet the following criteria to be eligible for submission: 1. Films have been released between 2023 and 2025 AND 2. Films shall be created substantially by Polish filmmakers (directors, producers, cinematographers, etc.) OR 3. Films shall substantially deal with Poland and Polish themes, regardless of the filmmakers’ nationality OR 4. Films shall be created by filmmakers who graduated from a Polish film school.
Visit the Film Competition page to read the 2025 submission rules and to submit your film:
https://www.annarborpolishfilmfestival.com/…/film…
3&4 (For YOUTH and ADULTS) Friends of Polish Art Literary Competitions: the deadline to submit your work is August 15.
Attention writers! Friends of Polish Art is sponsoring two literary competitions, in two categories, for adults and for youth:
– 2025 Estelle Wachtel-Torres, MD Literary Competition
https://www.friendsofpolishart.org/competitions/short-story-competition/
– 2025 Youth Literary Competition
https://www.friendsofpolishart.org/competitions/youth-literary-competition/
For youth, the theme is “My adventures with a famous person of Polish descent or Polish legend or mythological creature”. The work must be original, unpublished, and not awarded in any other competition, typed, double-spaced, 500–1000 words. Can be in English or Polish. No use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) permitted.
For adults, this year’s theme is “Historical fiction based on one of the 2025 Patrons of Poland”. The list of the 2025 Patrons of Poland, authored by the Polish Parliament, includes: Rev. Prof. Józef Tischner, Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska, Władysław Stanisław Reymont, Wojciech Jerzy Has, Stefan Żeromski, Antoni Słonimski, Olga Boznańska, Kazimierz Sosnkowski, Franciszek Duszeńko, First Kings of Poland and Heroes from Katyń, Kharkiv, and Miednoje.
Submission types: Short stories, poems, essays, or graphic novels. Must be in English, between 1000–1500 words, typed and double-spaced.No use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) permitted.
Check out the FPA website for the full contest details. If you have any questions, please contact Pamela Saunders, Chair of the 2025 FPA Literary Competitions at pksaunders1@msn.com.
5. (For ADULTS) 29th Friends of Polish Art Fine Arts Competition (formally known as the Richard Kubinski Fine Arts Competition).
After a 10-year-long hiatus, this competition which started in 1985 is this year in partnership with the Polish Institute of Culture and Research at Orchard Lake Schools.
Deadline to electronically submit images of work is September 2.
The 2025 FPA Fine Arts Competition is open to all artists aged 18 and older and welcomes submissions across all media and themes. A special award category will recognize work inspired by Poland and Polish culture—past or present, personal or collective.
Awards include:
• $500 Best in Show
• $400 Best Polish Theme
• Additional prizes for merit and honorable mention.
Artists may submit up to five works. Entry details, prospectus, and flyer are available at:
https://www.friendsofpolishart.org/…/fine-arts-competition
With questions, please contact Elijah Majeski at emajeski@picrol.org.
The Polish Weekly is going to follow closely all of the contests. We are looking forward to being intrigued, impressed, entertained, surprised, baffled, challenged, uplifted and inspired by the literary and visual works!
