The Gallery of Human Migration Literary Award

Honouring journeys of courage, change, and connection.

2025 Inaugural edition

Eligibility

To be considered, your story must meet the following requirements:

The story must be unpublished at the time of submission.
It must be your personal or ancestral migration story, told in your own words.
Each author may submit one story only.
Stories must be between 3,000 and 4,500 words in length.
The 2025 competition is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, including those living abroad, who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory.
Submissions must be written in English.
Remove all personal information from the manuscript (name, address, email, phone number). All stories are read blindly.
Include a short third-person author biography (200–250 words) in your submission email.
There is no entry fee.
Once submitted, stories cannot be revised or replaced.
Communication with jury members is not permitted and will result in disqualification.
By submitting, you agree to all contest rules and conditions.

Judging Criteria

Originality and Creativity

Does the story offer a unique perspective or creative approach to the migration experience?

Authenticity and Emotional Impact

Does the story feel personal, honest, and emotionally resonant? We value stories that show real human experience — the moments of pain, strength, confusion, and hope that shape every journey.

Clarity and Structure

Is the story clearly written, organized, and engaging to read?

Cultural and Social Insight

Does the story offer meaningful insight into cultural, social, or historical dimensions of migration? We value stories that build bridges — opening windows into different worlds while connecting us through shared humanity.

Resonance with the Themes

How deeply does the story align with the 4Bs Framework below?

The 4Bs Framework

Beckoning

Every journey begins with a feeling, a pull toward something unknown. Beckoning is that inner spark, a longing not for the past, but for what lies ahead. It’s the whisper that says, “There is more for you out there.”

Beginning

Beginning is about learning to live in a new world. It’s the moment when everything is unfamiliar; language, customs, even silence. But it’s also the moment of wonder, where every step is part of building your new life.

Becoming

With time, the new world starts to feel like your own. Yet the past doesn’t vanish, it gently returns, shaped by memory and emotion. In this phase, you grow into someone new, someone who holds both worlds inside.

Belonging

Belonging is when the new place feels like home. It’s not about forgetting the past, but finding peace with it. Here, your journey becomes part of who you are, not just where you’re from, but where you’ve arrived.

Recognition

Grand Prize

The Grand Prize winner will receive a faithful reproduction of the sculpture created by artist Ester Crocetta, a tangible echo of the artwork that embodies the Award’s spirit.

Honourable Mentions

Those recognized will receive exclusive sketches of the sculpture.

Visibility

All submissions suitable for publication and meeting the requirements will be celebrated on the Gallery website.

Legacy

Every story contributes to a greater understanding of migration’s role in shaping humanity and builds a shared, culturally rich vision of migration.

Judging Process

All submissions that meet eligibility requirements will be read.
Gallery volunteer reviewers will select a longlist, followed by a shortlist.
Judges, supported by the Gallery Board, will select the final recognition recipients.
All decisions made by the judges are final.
Submissions that do not follow the rules or eligibility criteria will be disqualified.

Submission Guidelines

Send your story to events@galleryofhumanmigration.org.
The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST).
Include your full name and contact information in the body of the email, not within the story file.
Stories will be judged solely on their merit. Any submission that includes identifying information in the story document may be disqualified.
Once submitted, no changes or substitutions are allowed.
The Gallery reserves the right to reject work deemed unsuitable for publication or not meeting the requirements.
You will receive a confirmation email once your story is received.

Technical Requirements

Submit your story as a Word document.
Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt.
Include the story title at the top of the first page.
Number all pages.
A cover page is optional but not required.
You may include up to three poems within the body of your story.
You may include up to three images in a separate file (JPEG or PNG, maximum 2 MB each).
Images must not be embedded in the document but may be keyed into the text as needed (for example: “Place image No. 1 here”).
Recommended image size: 1200 px wide for landscape, 800 px tall for portrait orientation.
If your images include others, you must have proper permissions and provide appropriate credit.
The Gallery assumes all stories are original and unpublished works owned by the author.
Use of AI tools is permitted for support, but the creative storytelling and voice must be your own.
The Gallery is not liable for copyright infringement and will not mediate disputes.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting, you agree that your work may be featured on the Gallery’s website or social channels, with full author credit.
Submissions that include inappropriate, discriminatory, or offensive content will not be considered.
The Gallery may make minor editorial adjustments for clarity or formatting before publication.
Contest rules are subject to change.

Questions and Contact

If you have questions about these rules or the submission process, please email Nancy Perin no later than July 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST).