Newly appointed poet will lead readings and workshops during National Poetry Month.
The Santa Monica City Council has approved the appointment of Jay Baldwin as the city’s second poet laureate, with a series of public events scheduled in April to introduce the new cultural ambassador to the community.
Baldwin, a Santa Monica native, was confirmed for a two-year term during a council meeting March 10. The role is part of a city program aimed at promoting literary arts and community engagement through poetry.
Currently a school librarian at a local elementary school, Baldwin is also completing a master’s degree in library science. Their background includes participation in West Coast slam poetry competitions and performances with storytelling organization The Moth. Baldwin is also affiliated with Pride Poets, a collective of LGBTQ+ writers known for creating typewritten poems in public spaces.
Baldwin succeeds Anne Carmack, who was named Santa Monica’s first poet laureate in 2024.
As poet laureate, Baldwin will be expected to produce an annual poem about Santa Monica, lead workshops or readings, participate in civic events and organize at least one poetry-focused event each year tied to National Poetry Month programming. The poet laureate position includes a $10,000 honorarium for the two-year term.
Several public appearances are planned in April, including a meet-and-greet event April 11 at the Santa Monica Main Library, a reading at a City Council meeting April 14 at Santa Monica City Hall, and participation in the annual Arts and Literacy Festival on April 25 at Virginia Avenue Park.
