BSL Poet Laureate
2026
Honouring Deaf creativity and the beauty of British Sign Language
Celebrating the nation’s BSL poets and the power of storytelling through sign
About
The British Deaf Association (BDA) is proud to launch its fourth annual competition to find the UK’s next Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) Poet Laureate, as part of celebrations for National BSL Day on 28 April 2026.
National BSL Day marks the historic recognition of BSL as an indigenous language of Great Britain under the British Sign Language (BSL) Act, which received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022.
Deaf BSL signers from across the UK are invited to submit a two-minute video of original BSL poetry or poetic performance by 20 March 2026. The winner will be announced on National BSL Day, 28 April 2026.
Why the BSL Poet Laureate Matters
The competition shines a spotlight on BSL as a living, expressive art form and celebrates the unique ways Deaf people share stories through movement and emotion.
BSL poetry connects emotion, language, and movement in a way that spoken words never could. It’s a celebration of Deaf identity and the shared experience of communication through sign. It builds on a rich legacy. Trailblazers like Dot Miles laid the groundwork for sign-language poetry in the UK. She insisted that “signs have a rhythm, a meter of their own”, allowing the hands to become poetic instruments.
By honouring that tradition, this competition gives new poets the same opportunity: to explore how BSL can not just translate spoken poetry, but become poetry in its own right. Through movement, space, expression and handshape, BSL poets craft works that carry rhythm and meaning visually and viscerally; works that speak to Deaf and hearing audiences alike.
“Dorothy 'Dot' Miles - Translation of her poem 'Language for the Eye'From your fingertips see a frog leap, at a passing butterfly. The word becomes the picture in this language for the eye.
Apply Now
We are inviting Deaf BSL signers from across the UK to submit a two-minute video of original BSL poetry or poetic performance by 20 March 2026.
The winner will be announced on National BSL Day. Prizes are £500 for first place, £200 for second, and £100 for third. If you have a story to tell, an idea to share, or a creative spark to express in BSL, we encourage you to apply and be part of this national celebration of language, identity and art.
Anyone 18 or older, who is Deaf and a BSL signer, is invited to apply. No prior experience in poetry or performance is required - just a passion for BSL and creative expression. BSL poetry can take many forms, including visual poetry, storytelling, and creative performances.
To enter, please complete the form, and then submit a video (maximum 2 minutes) of your original BSL piece to bda@bda.org.uk
Who Can Apply
Anyone aged 18 or over, who is Deaf and a BSL signer, is invited to apply. No prior experience in poetry or performance is required; only a passion for BSL and creative expression.
BSL poetry can take many forms, including visual poetry, storytelling, creative performance, and experimental or contemporary styles.
How to Enter
To enter, please complete the application form and submit a video of your original BSL piece.
- Maximum length: 2 minutes
- The work must be original and created by you
- Videos should be sent to bda@bda.org.uk by 20 March 2026
Winner Responsibilities and Opportunities
By entering the competition, applicants acknowledge that the selected Poet Laureate will be expected to take part in promotional activity and public appearances during their term.
This may include:
- Performing at BDA events such as the BDA AGM and Gala
- Appearing in BDA promotional materials and social media content
- Participating in interviews or media opportunities connected to the role
Additional performance or media opportunities may arise during the year as part of celebrating BSL and Deaf creativity. The BDA will discuss and agree all appearances with the selected Poet Laureate in advance.