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Salt Lake City names Joel Long as the City’s first Poet Laureate
Salt Lake City has named Joel Long its first Poet Laureate, launching a new three‑year civic literary appointment running through June 2029. Selected through a competitive process led by a committee of literary professionals, educators, and community representatives, Long will serve as the city’s official ambassador for poetry and the literary arts.
“Joel has spent decades uplifting Salt Lake City’s literary community, and now he’ll help us write the first chapter of something entirely new,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “As our first Poet Laureate, he’ll help bring poetry beyond the page and into the everyday life of our city, while creating a strong foundation for this program for years to come.”
Long is an award-winning poet, educator, editor, and literary organizer with more than 40 years of experience in Utah’s literary community. He has taught English and Creative Writing at Rowland Hall since 2004 and is the author of seven books, including the poetry collections Watershed (2026), Lessons in Disappearance (2012), Knowing Time By Light (2010), Winged Insects (1999), and Chopin’s Preludes (2005). His honors include the White Pine Press Poetry Prize and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Award for Literary Arts (2009). From 2002 to 2023, he served as President of the City Art Reading Series, organizing nearly 600 readings featuring local and nationally recognized writers.
“Salt Lake City has a tremendous wealth of poets to celebrate, talented poets from many communities, with diverse voices and experiences,” Long said. “I look forward to sharing that literary and living wealth with those who love poetry and those who haven’t yet discovered that they love poetry, too.”
About the Poet Laureate Program
The Salt Lake City Poet Laureate Program celebrates poetry as a vital civic and cultural art form and strengthens community connection through creativity and shared reflection. The Poet Laureate serves as a cultural ambassador, helping bring poetry into public life and expanding access to literary experiences across Salt Lake City.
The inaugural Poet Laureate term runs July 2026 – July 2029.
Role and Responsibilities
The Poet Laureate will:
- Write one original civic poem annually for City-related or community occasions
- Participate in 2–4 City events each year
- Lead seven public readings annually, with a goal of reaching all seven City Council districts
- Develop one signature community project over the course of the three-year term
- Serve as a cultural ambassador in media appearances and civic functions
The Poet Laureate receives administrative and project support from the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office for public programming, scheduling, outreach, and development of the signature project.
Program Vision
The Poet Laureate program is a new civic tradition designed to:
- Celebrate poetry as a key cultural and civic art form
- Foster connection and public engagement
- Reflect the diversity of lived experiences across Salt Lake City
- Expand access to poetry through readings, community programs, and civic participation
Term, Compensation, and Support
Term of Service: July 2026 – July 2029
Honorarium: $5,000 per year
The Poet Laureate receives administrative and project support from the Salt Lake City Arts Council and Mayor’s Office to assist with public programming, scheduling, outreach, and implementation of the signature project.
Future Application Cycles
Information about future Poet Laureate application periods, eligibility requirements, and program updates will be posted on this page and through Salt Lake City Arts Council communication channels.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of literary professionals, educators, and community representatives. Final appointment is made in partnership with the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office.
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Artistic Merit
- Community Engagement
- Vision for the Role
- Public Engagement & Communication
- Demonstrated ability in public speaking and audience engagement
Accessibility
The Salt Lake City Arts Council is committed to making programs accessible to the public. Accommodation requests for future application cycles should be made in advance whenever possible.
Contact
Salt Lake City Arts Council
Todd Oberndorfer
(801) 535-6512
