The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and the Alexandria Transit Company have collaborated for 11 years present the “DASHing Words in Motion” poetry contest. Over the past 11 years, the contest inspired 228 poets to submit 434 poems that were considered for placement on the DASH buses and trolleys during April for National Poetry Month.

The DASHing Words in Motion brings recognition to writers, promote an appreciation of poetry as an art form, and provide inspiration to individuals using the Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH Buses and Trolleys. 

The competition’s primary goal is to encourage a broad range of ideas and subject matter. Possible inspirational ideas might stem from: the Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus motto “Keep Alexandria Moving,” bus stops, neighborhoods, buses, roads, or other modes of transportation within the City of Alexandria, community, and connection we make while we get from one place to another. 

The competition is open to writers 16 years or older who live, work or study in the City of Alexandria, VA. The participation in the “DASHing Words in Motion” is voluntary.  Selected poets are not reimbursed for submittals or participation in the program.

The online submission deadline for DASHing Words in Motion is January 17, 2025. To submit poetry, click here.

For additional information about the DASHing Words in Motion and other literary programs, visit the Office of the Arts website: alexandriava.gov/Arts or email the Poet Laureate: poet@alexandriava.gov. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Cherylanne.Colton@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5565, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.