The Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office are launching the inaugural Salt Lake City Poet Laureate Program. This new initiative will designate a local poet to serve as the official ambassador for poetry, which is described as a vital literary art form.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that the program builds on the city's long history of stewarding public art. She noted that she looks forward to the first Poet Laureate creating moments of connection across the city.
The program is intended to celebrate the ability of poetry to connect people and reflect shared experiences through civic participation, public programming, and a signature community project.
Felicia Baca, the Salt Lake City Arts Council Director, said that poetry has a unique ability to translate complex experiences into accessible language. She added that the program positions poetry as a tool for civic dialogue and community engagement by holding multiple perspectives.
The Salt Lake City Poet Laureate will serve as a cultural ambassador with responsibilities including creating original civic poems, participating in city events, and leading public readings across the seven council districts. The role also involves developing a signature community project.
Programming for the position may include workshops, neighborhood readings, and collaborations with community organizations. The program is designed to reflect the diverse voices and experiences found throughout Salt Lake City.
The Poet Laureate position is a paid, three-year appointment supported by both the Mayor’s Office and the Salt Lake City Arts Council. The term of service is scheduled from July 2026 through July 2029.
Applicants must be residents of Salt Lake City and demonstrate a record of community engagement and artistic practice in poetry. Applications opened on April 20, 2026, and the deadline to apply is May 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
