Call for Expressions of Interest: 2025 Migration Literary Award

Stories That Move: Capturing the Migration Journey

The Migration Literary Award sculpture I’M Migration by Italian artist Ester Crocetta, work in progress.

The Gallery of Human Migration Celebrates Voices of Resilience, Hope, and Transformation

Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025

The Gallery of Human Migration (The Gallery) is thrilled to announce the inaugural Gallery of Human Migration Literary Award, a celebration of the transformative power of migration through storytelling. This award honours stories that explore the emotional, philosophical, and cultural dimensions of migration, fostering understanding and connection across communities. Migration is more than movement—it shapes identities, strengthens societies, and enriches cultures. Canada, as a nation, is built on the journeys of its First Nations and those who have arrived from around the globe. The Gallery seeks to honour these narratives, particularly the foundational stories of Canada’s First Peoples and newcomers alike.

We invite writers, storytellers, and others to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) for participation in this inaugural award, sharing original, unpublished works in English that reflect migration journeys—whether of arrival, departure, or transformation.

Eligibility

The Gallery of Human Migration Literary Award is open to:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents (including those living abroad).
• Anyone who has reached the age of majority in their province/territory.
• Anyone with a unique personal or ancestral migration story to share.

Recognition

Winners will receive custom-designed awards:

• First Prize: A custom-designed sculpture.
• Second – Tenth Prizes: Exclusive sketches of the sculpture.

Publication Opportunities: Top ten entries will be included in a published compilation.

Visibility: All submissions will be celebrated on The Gallery website.

Legacy: Your story contributes to a greater understanding of migration’s role in shaping humanity, allowing a positive and culturally nourishing vision of migration.

Selection Process

EOI submissions will be reviewed by The Gallery Board of Directors. While the final Migration Literary Award applications, will be evaluated through a different process incorporating a Selection Committee, a select group of readers and a selected jury.

Stories will be judged on:

• Creativity and originality.
• Alignment with the “4 Bs” themes of exploration (Beckoning, Beginning, Becoming, Belonging)
• Emotional resonance and cultural insight.

All submissions adhering to The Gallery‘s Content Submission Policy will also be celebrated on The Gallery website.

How to Submit

Submit your interest to be part of the inaugural Gallery of Human Migration Literary Award by completing the online form with the following details:

• Contact information
• A brief biography (max 250 words)
• A short summary of your story idea (max 300 words)

Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Nancy Perin
events@galleryofhumanmigration.org

Gallery of Human Migration
www.galleryofhumanmigration.org
info@galleryofhumanmigration.org

Facebook @thegohm