Nominations open soon!
Check back soon for the nomination form and full details.
Want to be the first to know? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and announcements.
Call for Nominations: New Orleans' Inaugural Poet Laureate
The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, and New Orleans Public Library are accepting nominations for New Orleans' inaugural Poet Laureate, a prestigious honor recognizing an outstanding poet who reflects the city’s diverse cultural heritage and literary excellence. The Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for poetry, fostering appreciation for the literary arts and engaging with the community through readings, workshops, and special projects.
The Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for New Orleans' literary and creative communities, promoting poetry as a powerful vehicle for social engagement and cultural dialogue. As a liaison, advocate, and leader, they will use their talents to inspire residents to read, write, perform, and appreciate the written and spoken word. Through their work, the Poet Laureate will foster a love of literature and support the next generation of critical thinkers, writers, storytellers, and literary artists.
The selected poet will be honored with an official appointment and a $30,000 honorarium.
Eligibility Criteria:
-
Nominees must be at least 21 years of age, residents of Orleans Parish, and domiciled in New Orleans, meaning they live here permanently and maintain their primary home in the city.
-
A proven connection to the literary community in New Orleans, with a commitment to consistent, meaningful engagement.
-
Have received critical acclaim as demonstrated by special honors, awards, and/or other recognition.
- Must have a strong body of published or publicly recognized poetic work, including at least four published works and/or performances in established publications (print, online, poetry journals, magazines, websites, or video) over the past three years, excluding self-curated content, personal websites, blogs, or vanity press publications
Responsibilities:
-
Ability to serve a two-year term (2025–2027), promoting poetry and literacy across New Orleans through public readings, workshops, and educational initiatives.
-
Demonstrate a strong commitment to serving the City of New Orleans by representing the literary community at official City-sanctioned events.
-
Willing and able to travel between locations around New Orleans and, should the opportunity arise, the State of Louisiana.
-
Be able to develop and deliver public programming that engages the public with poetry, including a signature program series.
Nomination Process:
Nominations may be submitted by individuals or organizations. Self-nominations are encouraged.
Supporting materials (poetry samples, resume, CV, etc.) should be emailed separately to culturaleconomy@nola.gov with the subject line: Poet Laureate Nomination – [Nominee Name].
Please note: Supplemental materials cannot be accepted until the form has been submitted. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.