The Day They Came Home is an international short fiction writing competition whose theme is the day the Parthenon Sculptures, those currently held by the British Museum, are returned to Athens. The writing of these stories is important in many ways:
Firstly, it is a unique action in the growing campaign for reunification of the sculptures to Athens. It is a project of imagination that asks writers to explore the many meanings that will be created by the return of the sculptures, including that of the day of public celebration. The thinking behind the theme is this: that to imagine the return is to bring this day closer to reality.
Secondly, the competition seeks writing that skips over the current polemics of retention by the British Museum. There are many examples of these polemics, such as the British Museum’s claim to be a ‘Universal Museum’, and the recourse to dubious historical documents and claims. There is also the underlying Imperial prerogative that speaks of London as the New Athens; that London somehow deserves the sculptures because of this. By stepping outside these coordinates, we hope to avoid the entrapment that keeps the campaign caught in contention, as if there is some outstanding argument that has not been refuted; as if we are stuck in a position of claim and counter-claim that is unresolvable. By leaping over this terrain we can arrive at a new space where the inevitability of return is assumed and examined, where the importance of place, of aesthetic whole, and of the need for reinterpretation can begin – where the narratives can be reinvented.

More information on the Competition’s website: www.thedaytheycamehome.net

Competition Facts
- The competition will be held in 2015/2016;
- It will be an open competition and free to enter;
- There will be a panel of international judges;
- Works are to be submitted in English with a maximum word length of 2500 words;
- Prize moneys and prize levels are yet to be confirmed.

The funds requested will cover prize rewards, administration, translation, promotion and event management expenses.
This competition will produce a printed publication with the best submissions in English and Greek. 
Some of the Rewards associated with the various levels of support will be provided immediately (e.g. Website acknowledgement).

Crucial aspect for the success of the competition is the participation of as many writers from around the world. For that reason we need to focus on as many publication platforms as possible and make sure we have an up to date Website, good coverage on Social Media as well as exposure to mainstream media.



Thank You
Tom Kazas
Coordinator of the Competition