We are pleased to share an obituary of David Perman, published in The Guardian on 19 October 2026 and written by his brother, Ray Perman. The obituary celebrates David's remarkable and varied life – from his distinguished career in journalism and broadcasting to his...
We plan to reopen submissions to Acumen in November 2026, following the disruption and delays earlier this year. We are continuing to work through submissions already received and thank everyone for their patience. Acumen 117, planned for February or March 2027, will...
We are holding a literary celebration of David Perman's life and work in London on Saturday 7 November 2026. David was a longstanding supporter and Interviews Editor of Acumen, a poet, journalist, broadcaster, and publisher of Rockingham Press, through which he...
Originally scheduled for September, Acumen 116 is now in production and expected in early November 2026. Following the earlier disruption caused by flooding, the illness and death of our Interviews Editor, David Perman, in August brought further delays. We are also...
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David Perman, journalist, broadcaster, writer, poet and publisher of Rockingham Press, and a longstanding supporter and Interviews Editor of Acumen. David had an extraordinarily varied life in words. His long...
We are sad to share that Acumen has experienced major disruption following a Thames Water trunk main burst in London; Thames Water has accepted responsibility. The incident caused severe flooding in the local area – with water levels exceeding a foot in places (see...
Poets Koleka Putuma and Daljit Nagra collaboration "Your Legacies are Preserved Here" was read at the unveiling of The Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial in South Africa. Created by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the new site honours over 1,700 predominantly...
We are sad to mark the death of renowned Northern Irish poet Michael Longley who died at the age of 85 on 22 January 2025. Born in Belfast in 1939, Longley was celebrated for his profound contributions to literature. He received numerous accolades, including the T.S....
DEADLINE: TUESDAY 6th AUGUST 2024 Acumen is pleased to share news of the Second Light Poetry Competition 2024. The theme is open. First prizes are awarded in two categories: Short (50 lines or under) and Long (over 50 lines). 2nd & 3rd prizes may be from either...
Acumen is delighted to share news of the 26th annual Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition, open to all. Since 1998 Ware Poets have been committed to offering poets this opportunity. The competition also produces an anthology, which includes all winning and commended...
The Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses series has been published every year since 1976 and is considered the most honoured literary project in America. Magazines and presses from around the world can nominate up to a total of six pieces. For the 2024 prize...
Stuck for a holiday or birthday present? Why not give someone a year’s subscription to Acumen so they can enjoy contemporary verse and be inspired by new poetry. Subscribe here. Acumen publishes a wide range of contemporary poetry - each issue contains new poems from...