As an organization rooted in Philadelphia, Cleaver is excited to recognize outstanding work by Philly-based writers as well as those with strong and enduring connections to the city. These inaugural winners represent some of the distinct voices and unique perspectives that make Philadelphia an important and inspirational place. In recognition of their talent, Cleaver awards $250 to the Grand Prize Winner and $25 for Honorable Mentions.
2025 Emerging Artists Contest Winners
Grand Prize Winner
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
2025 Visual Poetics Contest Winners
Grand Prize Winner
Second Place
Third Place
These finalists will be published in Issue 53 in March 2026: Jack Brummett for “I Work at a Dog Kennel,” Kristen Gallagher for “820 The Beach – Hare,” Beth Kephart for “Lightning Strikes,” Warren Longmire for “House Flag for Fathers,” Alan Pelaez Lopez for “Disaster is a Politic,” Alison Powell for “Life Loop,” G. Dylan Sessoms for “Poem about a Portrait My Ex-Wife Hung in the Kitchen, and Nothing Else, ” and Amy Beth Sisson for “Pith Vispo / Pith Translation”