City of Green Bay announces search for inaugural Poet Laureate

The City of Green Bay is now accepting applications for its first-ever Poet Laureate position, inviting literary artists to serve as the official voice of poetry and advocate for the literary arts throughout the community.

The Green Bay Public Arts Commission will administer the new Poet Laureate Program, selecting an inaugural poet to serve a two-year term from January 2026 through December 2027.

The chosen artist will act as an ambassador for poetry, literary arts, and spoken word while creating original works inspired by Green Bay’s people, places and stories.

Throughout the term, the Poet Laureate will lead a community-centered public poetry project designed to connect residents with the literary arts.

The project will prioritize community involvement and accessibility, taking forms that may include workshops, performances, collaborations or public art installations.

The Poet Laureate will present poetry at city events, including civic ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations, while hosting public readings and workshops.

The position includes collaboration with confirmed project allies Lion’s Mouth Bookstore and Green Bay Area Public Schools to create programming within their spaces.

Green Bay residents are strongly encouraged to apply, though non-residents with strong ties to the community may also submit applications.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a minimum of three years documented investment in poetry, literary arts, or spoken word.

The position includes an annual honorarium of $3,000, plus up to $1,000 in project stipends for the duration of the term. Selected artists will have access to local venues, educational institutions, public spaces and resources to amplify their work.

Applications will be accepted from through Nov. 18.

The Green Bay Public Arts Commission will select up to five finalists, who will be invited to submit detailed proposals for their public projects.

A panel of regional poets, educators, artists, and community leaders will review the proposals and select the Poet Laureate.

Applicants must submit a resume or CV, letter of interest, and between four and eight recent poems, literary works, or spoken word presentations created within the last five years. Published work is preferred.

The selected Poet Laureate will be notified in late December and publicly announced at a city event in late January 2026.

Interested artists can submit qualifications at www.greenbaywi.gov/poetlaureate.