The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts is in search of a Poet Laureate to promote an appreciation of poetry as an art form, promote creative writing and reading of literature, and promote literacy through poetry. The individual will serve as Poet Laureate for three years and receive a modest annual honorarium.

Eight Poet Laureates have served in the role which publicly confirms the value of literary art and enhance the quality of life in Alexandria. The Poet Laureate serves as an official resource available to commemorate for present enjoyment, as well as posterity, the City’s history and historic events, installations, groundbreakings, and public dedications, as well as many of the City’s annual celebrations, parades, and cultural events.

The Poet Laureate brings poetic art to the City’s libraries and schools and serves as a bridge to the City’s diverse communities who might not otherwise be exposed to this cultural experience. In difficult times, the Poet Laureate offers appropriate words of reflection, inspiration, and healing.

Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Nominees must distinguish themselves in the field of poetry through the body of work created; be a resident of the City for a minimum of one year and maintain residency through the three-year term of service; must accept the Poet Laureate post as a ceremonial role, which includes presentations of work appropriate for all audiences; and be 21 years of age or older. 

The online submission deadline for the Poet Laureate is January 10, 2025. To submit an application, click here.  

For additional information about the Poet Laureate and other literary programs, visit the Office of the Arts website: alexandriava.gov/Arts or email the Poet Laureate: poet@alexandriava.gov. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Cherylanne.Colton@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5565, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.