Apply now to be Berkeley’s next Poet Laureate

Poets, spoken word artists, and other literary artists living in Berkeley can apply to become Berkeley’s Poet Laureate, a champion of the City’s literary traditions and communities.

Applications, which must be from residents at least 18 years old, would be considered through a group review and evaluation. The honorary position comes with a $5,000 honorarium.

The purpose of the Poet Laureate program is to:

• champion Berkeley’s rich poetry, spoken word, and literary arts communities
• honor a Berkeley poet to serve as a creative ambassador of the city
• serve as an aesthetic voice and collaborator with the broader arts community
• provide mentorship to develop literary artists
• continue Berkeley’s historic tradition of free speech

Complete the Poet Laureate application online by 11:59 pm on October 31, 2025.

(A parallel program for youth 17 and under to be the City’s Youth Poet Laureate closes on the same day.)

Champion the literary arts in Berkeley

Finalists will be interviewed in November 2025. The Civic Arts Commission will select the next Poet Laureate during its December 3, 2025, meeting at 6:00 pm. The two-year term begins January 1, 2026, and includes a $5,000 honorarium.

The Poet Laureate will:

• Write one original poem inspired by or related to Berkeley
• Coordinate at least one public reading event per year
• Recite a poem at up to five City or Library events per year
• Meet Berkeley’s Youth Poet Laureate to foster mentorship

Optional opportunities include serving as a future selection panelist or mentoring Berkeley high schoolers in the Poetry Out Loud competition. Send questions or comments to oedmailbox@berkeleyca.gov.

Apply by October 31 to become Berkeley’s next Poet Laureate—and share this opportunity with fellow poets, spoken word artists, and other literary artists.

Links

• Poet Laureate Application
• City of Berkeley Poet Laureate Program
• Youth Poet Laureate program (Berkeley Public Library)