Applications open for Santa Monica’s next Poet Laureate
October 13, 2025 11:37 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2025) - The Santa Monica Public Library has opened applications in the search for Santa Monica’s next Poet Laureate.
This honorary position will serve a two-year term beginning March 1, 2026, and receive an annual stipend of $5,000. The city's Poet Laureate will engage with the community and share the love of poetry by:
- Creating an annual original poem celebrating the city of Santa Monica
- Presenting two annual writing workshops or poetry readings at a Santa Monica public school, Santa Monica Public Library or other community event
- Organizing at least one poetry-related event each year as part of the Library’s National Poetry Month programming in April
- Presenting or participating in local events
- Carrying out activities focused on poetry or literary arts
The Poet Laureate Review Panel, made up of community members and city of Santa Monica staff, will review and make the final selection for the city’s Poet Laureate. The panel-selected Poet Laureate will be announced before the two-year term starts in March 2026.
“We’re excited to continue Santa Monica’s Poet Laureate program and look forward to working with our next ambassador of verse,” Library Director Erica Cuyugan said. “This program continues to highlight the importance of poetry and creative expression while offering meaningful ways to engage with our community. Through this partnership, our future poet will help showcase the rich diversity and shared stories of Santa Monica.”
Santa Monica’s Poet Laureate program was developed and launched in 2023, with Anne Carmack selected as the city’s first Poet Laureate in 2024.
“As Santa Monica’s inaugural Poet Laureate, I have had the distinct honor of engaging with the community through poetry and in sincere celebration of the literary arts at a local level,” Carmack said. “As my term comes to an end in 2026, I look forward to working with the next selected poet to continue building this inspiring program. I can’t wait to watch them bring their creative ideas for outreach, programming, education and entertainment to our beloved Santa Monica community.”
The Poet Laureate program is open to Santa Monica residents 18 and older. Applications are due by Nov. 30.
For more information and to apply, please visit santamonica.gov/programs/poet-laureate.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov
Categories
Arts, Culture & Fun, Library, Programs, The Arts