SUBMISSIONS OPEN (please click the link below):
https://forms.gle/cw7tjLJ7HREEM34U6
Quaker Arts Network is launching a new special initiative to explore and express advocacy for a wild and free natural world that many have lost connection to.
From a Quaker perspective, we can ‘rejoice’ and see the wonder, complexity, and simplicity. We can resonate with the sounds of nature, but feel the deeper silence. We can reflect on our place on this planet of diverse beings and know ‘we do not own the world.’
And yet we recognise that nature is suffering.
Quakers act where injustice is seen and felt. We do not remain passive. Can we write creatively to actively engage with both the beauty we feel in nature, and the harm? Can we also write for those under bombardment where the birds no longer sing?
“Healing also includes… communion with and understanding of the world of nature, and through friendship.” - Jim Pym, 1990
How can we bring a spirit of friendship with nature into our poems? What happens when we observe nature more closely? Where are the insects? Trees we once knew? Childhood memories are often a starting point. Can we explore both presence and absence, past and future?
Call for Submissions
‘Conversations with Nature’ is calling for British and international Quakers and non-Quakers alike to submit poetry and short poetic prose (max 400 words) that builds new connections and ideas, creates empathy, explores justice and diversity and discovers ourselves as part of the natural world. Many find it healing being in nature and writing about nature. Nature too needs to heal from the wounds we have inflicted.
The Submission Process
The submission window will run from 1 July 2026 until 1 December 2026 with a suggested donation of £3 for up to three poems. This helps us with the website and the print anthology costs.
CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSIONS: https://forms.gle/cw7tjLJ7HREEM34U6
Upcoming Events
Wed 21 October
Editing Work for Publication - Conversations with Nature #5
19:00-20:30
Venue:
Join Online Meeting (available shortly before event)
You are warmly invited to our fifth and final workshop for Conversations with Nature in which we we will work on editing poems so they are ready for publication.
For more information (opens in new window):
https://quakerarts.net/projects/conversations-with-nature/
Tue 10 November
Arts-based Meeting for Worship
Venue: Online
Quaker Arts Network – lunchtime meetings for worship in Winter 2026
From 10 November to the 22 December inclusive, every Tuesday at 1pm, the Quaker Arts Network (QAN) will hold seven 30 minute long meetings for worship, with a difference.
Each meeting features a member of the QAN presenting short, prepared ministry relating to a range of different art forms. The list of hosts, the theme of their ministry and the date they are hosting can be seen here.
All Meetings will be on Zoom at lunch time on six Tuesdays, and open at 12.55 pm for a 1 pm start. Around 1.30pm an Elder will close the worship and participants will be invited to share responses. Meetings will end by 1.45pm.
Further QAN Meetings for Worship are planned for Spring 2026.
Tue 17 November
Arts-based Meeting for Worship
Venue: Online
Quaker Arts Network – lunchtime meetings for worship in Winter 2026
From 10 November to the 22 December inclusive, every Tuesday at 1pm, the Quaker Arts Network (QAN) will hold seven 30 minute long meetings for worship, with a difference.
Each meeting features a member of the QAN presenting short, prepared ministry relating to a range of different art forms. The list of hosts, the theme of their ministry and the date they are hosting can be seen here.
All Meetings will be on Zoom at lunch time on six Tuesdays, and open at 12.55 pm for a 1 pm start. Around 1.30pm an Elder will close the worship and participants will be invited to share responses. Meetings will end by 1.45pm.
Further QAN Meetings for Worship are planned for Spring 2026.
About the project
‘Conversations with Nature’ is a year-long project in which we will hold four monthly workshops between June and September 2026.
Attending workshops is encouraged but not necessary to submit. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
We will host a virtual launch event at the end of October 2026 for the online library and an in-person launch event for the print anthology in April 2027.
If you have any questions, you can email quakerartsuk@gmail.com.
We look forward to the conversations with nature and with you all.
Georgina Wright and Josiane Smith
on behalf of Quaker Arts Network
June 2026