LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The application period to vie for the role of 2026 Los Angeles Poet Laureate is open, Mayor Karen Bass announced Saturday.
Poet Laureate is a civic role dedicated to celebrating and advancing the arts throughout the city.
The program, a collaboration between the library and the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs, offers a $10,000 honorarium and a one-year term of service. The Poet Laureate will work with the library to host inclusive poetry events and outreach programs, particularly targeting communities with limited access to literary arts.
“Los Angeles thrives when every voice has the opportunity to be heard,” Bass said. “The Poet Laureate program ensures that poets from all backgrounds can share their work, engage communities across every neighborhood, and inspire Angelenos of all ages. This program is not only about celebrating talent — it’s about building connections, fostering creativity, and making the arts accessible and inclusive for everyone in our city.”
Submissions are due by 8 a.m. on Friday, with the selected poet expected to serve as a cultural ambassador who uses poetry and spoken word to inspire community engagement and highlight the city’s diverse voices, officials said.
Eligible applicants must live in Los Angeles County and demonstrate at least 10 years of professional experience creating poetry, along with a record of publication or invited presentations beyond self-curated platforms.
The winner will be announced in April during National Poetry Month.
“Poets offer a deep understanding and inspiration of our world through the power of the written and spoken word,” said Daniel Tarica, general manager of the cultural affairs department.
“DCA is committed to championing the literary arts, supporting poetry, and literary opportunities for individuals to learn the craft and experience its impact. We are proud to participate in the 2026 Los Angeles Poet Laureate program and ensure access to high-quality literary arts experiences and learning opportunities for all Angelenos,” Tarica added.
Since its launch in 2012, the program has recognized prominent literary figures including Eloise Klein Healy, Luis J. Rodriguez, Robin Coste Lewis and Lynne Thompson.
More information about the application process is available at lapl.org/poet-laureate.
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