DASHing Words in Motion - Poetry Contest -2026

Celebrating Poetry in Alexandria

The “DASHing Words in Motion” poetry contest is an annual celebration of local talent and the literary arts, turning Alexandria’s DASH buses and trolleys into moments of reflection, emotion, and connection. Designed to encourage and engage creative writing by writers 16 years or older who live, work, or study in Alexandria. This is an opportunity for them to share their voice and perspective with thousands of DASH riders across the city. The contest promotes poetry as an accessible and meaningful art form, offering daily inspiration to DASH riders.

Participation in the contest is entirely voluntary, and while selected poets receive public recognition and exposure on DASH buses and trolleys, submissions are not compensated, and there is no financial reimbursement for participation.

Eligibility Requirements:
• Must live, work, or study in the City of Alexandria, Virginia.
• Must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent).
• Must not be employed by the City of Alexandria, the Office of the Arts or a member of any City commissions, task forces, or committees.

Content:
The goal of the competition is to inspire a wide range of creative expressions, primarily drawing inspiration from all aspects of movement, transportation, and connection within the City of Alexandria.

The poetry contest’s theme stems from the DASH's mottos, “Keeping Alexandria Moving” and/or “Driving Alexandria Safely Home,” as well as from everyday scenes such as bus stops, neighborhoods, roads, and various modes of local transportation. Writers may also reflect on the sense of community, shared spaces, and the human connections we form as we travel from one place to another.

Entry Rules:
• Only online applications are accepted; mailed applications are not considered.
• Up to three poems can be submitted per person.
• Submitted poems must be previously unpublished; previous entries, that have not been selected and are not otherwise published, are eligible for resubmittal.
• Poems must be 30 words or less.
• Poems must be 15 lines or less.
• Poems should be titled.
• Poems must be uploaded as a 1-sided Word or pdf document in a 12-point font.
• Do not upload photocopies from books or magazines.
• Do not place name or address on poetry pages.
• Should your poem be selected, you will be asked for a short bio, photograph, and audio recording of your poem being read.

Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026, 5 p.m.

Notification: Selected poets will be notified in mid-February 2026.

Selection Process: Entries will be juried anonymously by the Office of the Art’s Literary Task Force. Each poem will be reviewed and graded independently based on the following criteria:
• Clarity of Theme: Traveling, Transportation, Connection, Community – 45 points
• Readability: Poem Structure, Clarity, Meter – 35 points
• Creativity & Impact: Creativity and Memorability – 20 points

Collaborating Partners: The “DASHing Words in Motion” poetry contest is a collaborative project-of the Office of the Arts, a division of the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities; DASH (Alexandria Transit Company); and Cristi Donoso, city poet laureate.

For more information, call the Office of the Arts, 703.746.5565; email: arts@alexandriava.gov; or visit alexandriava.gov/Arts.

Submission Agreement and Guidelines

Thank you for participating in the “DASHing Words in Motion” Poetry Contest. We look forward to the possibility of placing your poem on the Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH Bus and Trolley System.

You will be notified in mid-February whether your poem has been selected.
Submissions without contact information will not be considered. Attention parents and teachers: Please double-check your child or students’ submissions for this information.

Question Title

* 1. Contact Information

Name *

Address *

Address 2

City/Town *

State/Province *

ZIP/Postal Code *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Poems: File upload only accepts Word document (.doc or.docs) and file size should be less than 2 MB each. NOTE: File uploads should be titled and must not include the name of the applicant in the poems.

Question Title

* 2. Poem (1) Title

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* 3. Poem (1) File Upload

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* 4. Poem (2) Title

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* 5. Poem (2) Upload

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* 6. Poem (3) Title

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* 7. Poem (3) Upload

WARRANTIES/COPYRIGHTS: By submitting poem(s) to “DASHing Words in Motion,” you give the City of Alexandria permission to:
• Publish the work on bus placards and exhibit on DASH buses and trolleys from April through August 2026.
• Include the poem in various city marketing locations including, but not limited to websites, social media platforms, brochures, and flyers.
• Include the poem in a possible anthology of “2026 DASHing Words in Motion.”
• Retain the poem in records/archives for future reference.

The Author represents and warrants that the poem(s) submitted to the City of Alexandria for “DASHing Words in Motion” is/are original and has/have not previously been published elsewhere.

The Author shall maintain and hold all related copyrights associated with their poem(s). This non-exclusive perpetual license, which does not transfer ownership of the copyright to the City, shall endure for the entire term of the copyright in and to said poem(s), and shall survive all assignments of copyright according to Title 17 of the United States Code. Any transfer or assignment of the copyright shall be reported in writing to the City Manager of the City of Alexandria with a copy to the Deputy Director, Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities. This non-exclusive perpetual license is royalty-free, and the Author understands that s/he is not entitled to

Please acknowledge and submit, by doing so, you declare that you are the authorized individual, or you have the authority to act for the above applicant. Please keep a copy for records. Please keep the Office of the Arts informed of any changes in address. Details regarding the publishing agreement are included above.

I declare that I am authorized to act for the above applicant. I submit this entry for the "DASHing Words in Motion" program to the City of Alexandria and confirm that the information contained herein is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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* 8. Author Name:

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* 9. Date:

Date

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* 10. Guardian Name (If applicable):

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* 11. Date

Date

If questions, please email arts@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5565.

Thank you!