SLC.gov

April 20, 2026

The Salt Lake City Arts Council and Mayor’s Office are launching the City’s first-ever Salt Lake City Poet Laureate Program. The new initiative will designate a local poet to serve as the City’s official ambassador for poetry, a vital literary art form. 

“Salt Lake City has a long history of stewarding public art, and this program builds on that legacy in a meaningful way,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “One of my favorite poets, David Whyte, describes poetry as ‘a break for freedom.’ I look forward to seeing our first Poet Laureate create those moments across our city, inviting Salt Lakers to connect with one another in new ways.” 

The program reflects Salt Lake City’s ongoing investment in arts and culture and its commitment to supporting creative voices across the community. Designed to celebrate poetry’s power to connect people and reflect shared experiences, the Poet Laureate program will engage residents through public programming, civic participation, and a signature community project. 

“Poetry has a unique ability to translate complex experiences into language that is both accessible and meaningful,” said Felicia Baca, Salt Lake City Arts Council Director “By holding multiple perspectives and creating connection across differences, this program positions poetry as a powerful tool for civic dialogue and community engagement. This practice strengthens the social fabric by encouraging individuals to move toward more expansive ways of seeing one another.”  

The Salt Lake City Poet Laureate will promote the transformative power of poetry and serve as a cultural ambassador for the city. Responsibilities will include creating original civic poems, participating in City events, leading public readings across Salt Lake City’s seven council districts, and developing a signature community project. 

Programming may include neighborhood readings, workshops, collaborations with community organizations, and participation in civic events. The program is designed to reflect the diversity of voices and experiences across Salt Lake City. 

The Poet Laureate position is a paid, three-year-long appointment supported by the Salt Lake City Arts Council and Mayor’s Office. 

Applications Open: Monday, April 20, 2026 

Application Deadline: Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM 

Term of Service: July 2026 – July 2029 

Eligibility 

 Applicants must be residents of Salt Lake City and have a demonstrated record of artistic practice and community engagement in poetry. 

Apply 

Applications and full program guidelines will be available at: https://saltlakearts.org/programs/poet-laureate-program 

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About the Salt Lake City Arts Council 

The Salt Lake City Arts Council promotes, presents, and supports artists, arts organizations, and arts activities to further the development of the arts community and to benefit the public by expanding awareness, access, and participation. Through exhibitions, performances, public art, and community programs, the Arts Council works to ensure that the arts are accessible to all residents of Salt Lake City.