Apr 20, 2026 - News

Salt Lake City is looking for its first poet laureate

Good with words? Salt Lake City is now accepting applications for its inaugural poet laureate.

The big picture: Cities across the U.S. have long sought poets to capture civic life. Now, Utah's capital wants to spotlight its own talent.

State of play: The city's arts council and mayor's office are choosing a local writer as its first official ambassador for poetry.

Job duties include writing original civic poems, participating in city events, spearheading public readings and developing a community project.
Applicants must live in Salt Lake City and "have a demonstrated record of artistic practice and community engagement in poetry," per a news release.

What's next: Applications are open through May 17 for the three-year-long, paid appointment starting in July.

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