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The inaugural Salt Lake City Poet Laureate Call for Applications is now closed.
We are deeply grateful to all who applied, and applications are currently under review with finalist notification anticipated in early July 2026 and a public announcement to follow later that month.
The Salt Lake City Poet Laureate Program recognizes a local poet to serve as the City’s official ambassador for poetry and the literary arts.
The Poet Laureate is a working artist and cultural leader who engages communities through public programming, civic participation, and a signature project. Through this work, the Poet Laureate helps connect residents, reflect shared experiences, and expand access to poetry across Salt Lake City.
The inaugural Salt Lake City Poet Laureate will serve a three-year term from July 2026 through July 2029.
Applications for the inaugural term are now closed.
Program Vision
The Salt Lake City Poet Laureate program was created to celebrate poetry as a vital civic and cultural art form while fostering connection, creativity, and public engagement across the city. The program supports the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s mission to expand awareness, access, and participation in the arts throughout Salt Lake City.
The Poet Laureate serves as a cultural ambassador for the city, helping bring poetry into public life through readings, community engagement, educational outreach, and civic participation.
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 signature project may take the form of a single initiative or a series of related programs. It should include a clear public-facing component and connect poetry with community life. Final scope and direction will be developed in collaboration with program staff.
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.
Eligibility
Applicants for the inaugural Poet Laureate term were required to:Be at least 18 years old
- Be a full-time resident of Salt Lake City and maintain residency throughout the term
- Demonstrate a strong record of artistic practice in poetry
- Have at least one published poetry collection (book or chapbook)
- Demonstrate experience in community engagement
- Show ability to present work to varied audiences
- Propose a signature project connecting poetry with community life
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
Select finalists may be invited for interviews as part of the review process.
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.
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.
Contact
Salt Lake City Arts Council
Todd Oberndorfer
(801) 535-6512
