This call for authors is an opportunity for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, 18 years of age or older to have a safe space to be able to express themselves and their experiences through the written word.
Child sexual abuse is not rare. It is an epidemic in America. Retrospective research indicates that as many as 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. However, because child sexual abuse is by its very nature secretive, many of these cases are never reported.
Work Media: Written pieces in digital PDF format
Entry Requirements:
Please submit pieces that can be read/performed in no more than 2 minutes. We encourage you to choose a piece that can be shared comfortably within this time. Due to the number of participants, submissions exceeding 2 minutes may need to be shortened. Authors can submit up to 2 pieces. A maximum of 55 pieces will be selected.
Entries Due: All submissions must be received by Friday, September 26, 2026.
Notification to author: Authors will be notified of the disposition of their submission by October 3, 2026.
Event Begins: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 2:30 pm
Event Ends: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 4:00 pm
Event Location: Writers & Books, 740 University Avenue, 14607
Contact: info@survivorsartproject.org
We honor and respect the vulnerability, lived experience, and creative labor that artists bring to their work. Our goal is to create an event that is welcoming, affirming, and aligned with the Survivors Art Project's purpose and values. While we strive to be inclusive, submission of written pieces does not guarantee inclusion in the event.
Selections will be made with care and intention, considering how each piece contributes to the overall goals, theme, and emotional safety of the event space. Decisions are guided by these considerations rather than judgments of artistic merit or personal experience. All selection decisions are final.