The mission of the Arts Council is to promote, present, and support artists, arts organizations, and arts activities in order to further the development of the arts community and to benefit the public by expanding awareness, access, and participation.

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Submit to Salt Lake City Poet Laureate — Call for Applications (2026–2029)

ABOUT THE SALT LAKE CITY ARTS COUNCIL

The Salt Lake City Arts Council, founded in the late 1970s, was created to ensure that the community established a local arts organization to provide public programming and support for the arts. The mission of the Arts Council is to promote, present, and support artists, arts organizations, and arts activities in order to further the development of the arts community and to benefit the public by expanding awareness, access, and participation. 

 

ABOUT THE SALT LAKE CITY POET LAUREATE PROGRAM

The Salt Lake City Poet Laureate program will select a local poet to serve as the City’s official ambassador for poetry, a vital literary art form. Established in partnership between the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office, the 2026–2029 term marks the inaugural Poet Laureate for Salt Lake City.

The Poet Laureate is recognized as a working artist and cultural leader within the community.

The role requires a strong public presence and the ability to engage diverse audiences across the city.

The Poet Laureate will:

  • Promote the transformative power of poetry 
  • Create original work that reflects the vibrancy of Salt Lake City 
  • Engage communities through readings, workshops, and a signature project 
  • Partner with civic, cultural, and educational institutions 
  • Serve as a public representative for poetry in civic and community settings

The program welcomes poets working across styles and traditions who demonstrate a strong record of artistic practice, community engagement, and public-facing work.

 

TERM OF SERVICE

Length: 3 years (July 2026 – July 2029)   Renewal: Non-renewable

 

COMPENSATION & SUPPORT 

  • Honorarium: $5,000 per year, paid annually in accordance with City contract terms and contingent upon fulfillment of responsibilities 
  • The honorarium recognizes the Poet Laureate’s time, expertise, and contributions to the cultural life of the city 
  • Administrative and financial support for programmatic activities provided by the Salt Lake City Arts Council and Mayor’s Office 
  • The Poet Laureate will also receive project support to develop and implement a signature community project.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Poet Laureate will: 

  • Write: Annually write 1 original civic poem for City-related or community occasions 
  • Appear: Participate in 2–4 City events annually 
  • Present: Lead 7 public readings annually (goal: one in each City Council district) 
  • Create: Develop 1 signature community project over the course of the three-year tenure
  • The project may be a single large-scale initiative or a series of connected programs developed over the term 
  • The project should include a clear public-facing component 
  • Projects should be feasible in scope and align with available resources and support 
  • Subject to review and approval by the Arts Council 
  • Represent: Serve as a cultural ambassador in media appearances and civic functions

Scheduling of events and activities will be coordinated in advance with consideration for the Poet Laureate’s availability.

At the end of each year of the term (July 2027, July 2028, July 2029), the Poet Laureate will submit a brief report summarizing activities and impact.

Success in the role will be measured through public engagement, quality of programming, and contribution to the City’s cultural landscape.

Program elements, expectations, and opportunities may evolve in response to City priorities and community needs.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must: 

  • Be at least 18 years old 
  • Be a full-time resident of Salt Lake City at the time of application and throughout the term (the poet’s primary residence must be within city limits for the majority of the year)
  • Demonstrate a meaningful connection to Salt Lake City through prior residency, work, education, or community engagement 
  • City boundaries can be confirmed here: https://www.slc.gov/council/councils-role/district-map/ 
  • Have at least one published poetry collection (including traditionally published or self-published books and chapbooks) 
  • Demonstrated experience in community engagement in poetry or the literary arts 
  • Show ability to present poetry to varied audiences 
  • Propose a signature project connecting poetry with community life 

Applicants should disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including current contractual or financial relationships with Salt Lake City or the Salt Lake City Arts Council. 

 

OWNERSHIP & RIGHTS

The Poet Laureate retains copyright to all original works created during the term.

The Arts Council may use works created in the Poet Laureate’s official capacity for civic, educational, and promotional purposes, with appropriate credit. Final terms will be outlined in the contract.

 

REMOVAL & PROGRAM CONTINGENCY

The Salt Lake City Arts Council reserves the right to conclude the Poet Laureate appointment in the event that contractual obligations are not met, or in cases of misconduct or actions that substantially interfere with the Poet Laureate’s ability to fulfill the role.

This program is subject to the availability of funding. In the event that funding is reduced, discontinued, or otherwise impacted, the Arts Council reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the Poet Laureate program or contract at any time.

In such cases, the Arts Council will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice and work in good faith with the Poet Laureate to conclude or transition program activities as appropriate.

 

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of literary professionals, community representatives, educators, City representatives, and Arts Council members.

Evaluation criteria: 

  • Artistic Merit 
  • Community Engagement 
  • Vision for the Role 
  • Public Engagement & Communication 
  • Demonstrated ability in public speaking and audience engagement, including submission of a video sample of a poetry reading, performance, or community-based presentation.

The Arts Council will make a final recommendation to the Mayor.

Finalists may be contacted for clarification or additional information if needed.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

The Salt Lake City Arts Council welcomes applications from poets of all backgrounds and encourages applications from individuals representing the diversity of Salt Lake City. If you require accommodations, please contact the Arts Council at least 14 business days before the deadline.

 

KEY DATES

 

  • Application Deadline: Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM
  • Application Review Period: Late May – Early July 2026
  • Select finalists may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
  • Candidate Notification: Early July 2026
  • Public Announcement: Mid July 2026
  • Term of Service: July 2026 – July 2029

 

CONTACT

Salt Lake City Arts Council

Todd Oberndorfer 

todd.oberndorfer@slc.gov 

(801) 535-6512 

Salt Lake City Arts Council