"Poetry of Birds" Story & Poem Writing Competition

L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai announces the "Poetry of Birds" Story & Poem Writing Competition, open to children aged 8 to 12.

Practical Information:

 

Competition Launch: January 20th

Submission Deadline: March 30th, 2026

Winner Announcement: April 10th – 13th, 2026

 

Language Options: English or Arabic

Word Count: Min. 500 words - Max. 1,500 words

The Competition

Young storytellers are welcomed to an extraordinary journey where the magic of words meets the splendor of jewelry!

L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts invites children between the ages of 8 to 12 years old to participate in the "Poetry of Birds" Story or Poem Writing Competition. This unique initiative aims to explain, share, and reveal the captivating culture of jewelry through the lens of boundless imagination.

The Inspiration: "Poetry of Birds" Exhibition

We encourage families to visit our current exhibition, "Poetry of Birds." Children can immerse themselves in a world where exquisite jewelry pieces come alive, inspired by the grace, beauty, and symbolism of birds. The dazzling gems, intricate designs, and fascinating stories behind each creation can spark their creativity and inspire an original story or poem. This competition, titled the "KAN YA MAKAN" Story & Poetry Writing Competition by L'ÉCOLE in Dubai, is designed to encourage observation, imaginative storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of jewelry.

Who Can Participate?

This competition is open to young writers aged 8 to 12 years old.

Writing competition

How to Participate

  1. Visit the "Poetry of Birds" exhibition at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai. Take your time to explore, observe the pieces, and let their beauty ignite your imagination.
  2. Write Your Story or Poem: Craft an original story or poem inspired by your visit to the exhibition and the showcased jewelry pieces. Your creation can be a fantasy, an adventure, a mystery, or anything your creative mind can conjure!
  3. Submit Your Masterpiece:

    Language Options: Submissions are accepted in English or Arabic.

    Story Requirements: Minimum 500 words, Maximum 1,500 words.

    Poem Requirements: 12-16 lines, 120-150 words.

    Submission Deadline: Please submit your entry by March 30th, 2026, via the L'ÉCOLE Middle East website.

Please ensure the story adheres to the word count and language requirements.

Participate

What We're Looking For

Creativity: Original ideas and imaginative plots or poetic expression.

Observation: A clear connection to the "Poetry of Birds" exhibition and its jewelry pieces.

Storytelling/Poetic Expression: Engaging narratives, well-developed characters (for stories), captivating flow, and evocative language (for poems).

Prizes

The winners of the "Poetry of Birds" Story Writing Competition will receive:

Creative Writing Workshop with the Emirates Literature Foundation: Further hone your writing skills with a bespoke creative writing workshop, presented in collaboration with the esteemed Emirates Literature Foundation. Inspired by your "Poetry of Birds" stories, this workshop will offer a series of enriching activities, which may include:

  • Ekphrastic Writing Sessions: Writing inspired by visual art.
  • Children's Story-Creation Workshops: Developing compelling narratives.
  • Flash-Fiction Challenges: Crafting short, impactful stories.
  • Myth-Making Exercises: Exploring themes of feathers, flight, and craftsmanship.
  • Unique Perspectives: Writing from a jeweler's point of view.
  • Collaborative Writing Experiences: Engaging in group storytelling. These initiatives merge literature, nature, and jewelry arts to provide a truly impactful educational and cultural experience.

Our Esteemed Judging Panel

To ensure a fair and insightful selection process, our judging panel comprises influential figures and key opinion leaders from the literary world, including experts from L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai  and the Emirates Literature Foundation. Their diverse expertise will ensure that every story is reviewed with care and appreciation.

Sophie Claudel

Sophie Claudel​

Director, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Middle East

Sara BZ

Sara Ben Zid

Education Manager, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Middle East

May El Hage

May El Hage

Art Historian & Instructor, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Middle East

Dr.Afra Atiq

Dr. Afra Atiq

Scholar & Poet