The Switcheroo! Call for Ekphrastic Submissions: Deadline 5/30/2026
BROADSIDED’S ANNUAL SWITCHEROO
WANTED: Ekphrastic Responses to artist Daniel Esquivia Zapata’s art
DEADLINE: May 30, 2026
SUBMITTABLE LINK (use “Switcheroo” tab)
Broadsided seeks submissions of poetry and short prose that respond to this art, “Word-works 1868-2022” by Daniel Esquivia Zapata.
The winning entry will be published in June, as a Broadsided collaboration to enliven the doors, utility poles, bus stops, and walls of the world. Submission guidelines and details follow.
What is The Switcheroo? Every spring, we like to invite writers to respond to art we select for publication (most of our broadsides originate with artists responding to writing). This is the 23rd Broadsided “Switcheroo.”
This piece was chosen by artist Regin Igloria, who was last year’s Switcheroo artist–it’s been our tradition to pass the baton in this way, the previous Switcheroo artist choosing the next. Of his choice, Regin had this to say:
Daniel’s work immediately stood out to me, particularly because of the combination of text and image. The layering of light and dark portrayed depth exquisitely in meaning and construct. I kept returning to see more.
GUIDELINES:
Poems should be UNDER 20 lines. Prose should be UNDER 300 words.
Entries should be sent via Submittable under the “Switcheroo” tab (please make sure you enter via that tab, not the “poems” or “prose” portals). Further guidelines can be found on Submittable.
Curious to know what we’re looking for? See past Switcheroo publications.
We’ve favored responses that are not literal interpretations but instead amplify some emotional aspect of the visual art. As both image and text will appear together in the final publication, we seek writing in conversation with the art such that a new piece is created by the two together.
PS: We are are also open for non-Switcheroo submissions. See our guidelines. If selected, a Broadsided artist will respond to your work. See what you inspire!