Duties include composing a poem to celebrate the city, leading writing workshops or readings at public schools and organizing at least one poetry event for the library’s National Poetry Month
Applications are now open for Santa Monica’s next Poet Laureate, an honorary role aimed at promoting poetry and literary arts through community engagement, city officials announced Monday.
The position, managed by the Santa Monica Public Library, carries a two-year term starting March 1, 2026, along with an annual $5,000 stipend. Duties include composing an original poem each year to celebrate the city, leading two writing workshops or poetry readings annually at public schools, the library or community events, and organizing at least one poetry event for the library’s National Poetry Month programming in April. Laureates are also expected to participate in local events and pursue other poetry- or literary arts-focused activities.
A review panel of community members and city staff will evaluate submissions and select the appointee, with the announcement slated before the term begins. The program, launched in 2023, named local multidisciplinary artist Anne Carmack as its inaugural laureate in 2024 for a term ending in early 2026.
Carmack, a mixed-race poet, painter, photographer and filmmaker whose work explores personal narrative, cultural identity, philosophy and spirituality, saw her 2020 debut poetry collection “My Own Body Breathing” hit No. 1 on Amazon’s bestseller list within a day of release. The book is available for checkout at the Santa Monica Public Library.
“We’re excited to continue Santa Monica’s Poet Laureate program and look forward to working with our next ambassador of verse,” Library Director Erica Cuyugan said in a statement. “This program continues to highlight the importance of poetry and creative expression while offering meaningful ways to engage with our community.”
Carmack, a longtime resident, reflected on her tenure: “As Santa Monica’s inaugural Poet Laureate, I have had the distinct honor of engaging with the community through poetry and in sincere celebration of the literary arts at a local level. As my term comes to an end in 2026, I look forward to working with the next selected poet to continue building this inspiring program.”
The role is open to Santa Monica residents aged 18 and older, with applications due by Nov. 30.
Submissions should be sent via the city’s website at santamonica.gov/programs/poet-laureate.
