V41 Theme

Verandah’s Theme for 2026

REVIVAL

Rebirth, repair, redefine, 

Revive. 

At the intersection of art and literature, stories of rebirth and revival form a pivotal cornerstone. Flowers sprouting from wastelands, the phoenix rising from ashes and flame, the precipice from which a beaten or broken hero emerges with renewed purpose.  

Less fantastical and mythological, though no less magical, the Japanese art of Kintsugi centres on the careful and meditative practice of repairing broken pottery with golden joinery. Kintsugi doesn’t mask the subject’s flaws and imperfections, but rather highlights the scarring in gold, making the whole piece more beautiful for it. 

Following on from V40’s theme of LEGACY, V41’s REVIVAL will act as a soft and subtle speculation for the future. In drawing upon the brilliant work of our past, we set the foundations for a greater, stronger – and a little more golden – tomorrow, proving to the world that light and life persist through even the deepest cracks and creases. 

This year we invite you to explore Revival, whatever that means to you. Send us your short stories, creative essays, poetry, graphic narrative, artwork and photography all to do with Revival. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

All genres and styles of art are welcomed and encouraged! 

For information regarding submitting your work check out the submission guidelines page!