Poet Laureate
Through the Poet Laureate Program, the City of Santa Monica seeks to highlight the literary arts, support the creation of literary works that commemorate the diversity and vibrancy of Santa Monica, and promote arts education. The selected Poet Laureate will receive a $10,000 honorarium for the full two-year appointment, supporting their role in advancing literary arts and community engagement throughout Santa Monica. This honorary position engages with the community and shares 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, the 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, reviews and makes the final selection. The City of Santa Monica announced Anne Carmack as the first Poet Laureate in April 2024, and the City Council affirmed Jay Baldwin as its second Poet Laureate in March 2026.