We are calling out for artists to apply for commissions, pushing the boundaries of poetry, in support of the Push the Boat Out Festival, Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival,

Based on the theme of Anthropocene: The Human-Altered World we are inviting proposals for three new poetry-led performance pieces for the 2025 festival. PTBO will award three £1,500 commissions which along with development support, will be awarded to artists or groups of artists responding to the environmental theme.

Artists are encouraged to explore the profound impact humans have had on the planet, examining how the things we've created have transformed our world, and even our own bodies, in potentially irreversible and unexpected ways. Possible areas of focus include microplastics, forever chemicals, waste, and the built environment. Innovative works that push the boundaries of poetry and intersect with other art forms, helping to create a powerful, multidisciplinary showcase of responses to this urgent theme are welcomed.

The commissioned pieces will be performed at Push the Boat Out Festival at the Pleasance Theatre in November 2025.

This marks the third year of collaboration between Push the Boat Out and the National Theatre of Scotland, creating opportunities to develop and showcase longer poetry-led pieces through commissions and performances.

More information on how to apply can be found here. Applications close 7th July 2025.

Image - Ruxy Cantir performs In Deep - a collaboration between poet and playwright David McNeish and physical theatre maker and clown Ruxy Cantir. In Deep was commissioned by Push the Boat Out in 2024 as part of the Living Water: New Poetic Performances in association with the National Theatre of Scotland. Photo credit: Chris Scott