Goose Lane Editions, along with the board of imprint icehouse poetry, are launching a new poetry prize in honour of Trinidadian Canadian poet Claire Harris.

The biennial Claire Harris Poetry Prize is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents from Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities who haven’t previously published a full-length book of poetry.

The winner will receive a contract to publish their debut poetry collection under Goose Lane’s icehouse imprint, a $1,000 prize, and readings in at least three Canadian cities.

“This prize aims to reduce barriers for poets from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities by giving emerging writers a new avenue that places a focus on their work,” Ross Leckie, chair of the icehouse poetry board, said in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming the winner into the icehouse poetry family.”

Poet Kazim Ali will serve as the inaugural judge. Submissions for the inaugural prize open on January 2, 2024, and will close on March 31.

Details about the prize and eligibility are available online.