Nominations are now open for the next Poet Laureate of Colorado. This celebrated position serves as an ambassador for poetry, engaging with communities across the state, conducting readings and workshops, and inspiring a love for the art form. The individual selected will follow in the footsteps of previous laureates who have enriched Colorado’s cultural landscape.
Individuals are encouraged to nominate poets who demonstrate exceptional poetic talent, a commitment to community engagement, and a desire to foster the appreciation of poetry across Colorado. The selection process will consider the nominee’s body of work, public speaking ability, and their vision for the role, including ways to honor America 250 Colorado 150, a year-long commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood.
The Colorado Poet Laureate program is a partnership between Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), a division of Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Colorado Humanities and The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary, Inc. View the eligibility criteria for more information. The deadline for nominations is October 27.
About the Word
The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization founded in 2016 to explore and build collective models for writing, publishing, and bookselling, through programs that provide concrete tools and knowledge; build intentional community; and increase visibility for literary creatives. The Word is a recipient of a Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture. For more details about The Word and its program offerings, please visit https://www.thewordfordiversity.org/.
About Colorado Humanities
Colorado Humanities, home of the Colorado Center for the Book, works to inspire a love of reading and writing, encourage the exploration of ideas, and deepen appreciation for Colorado’s multifaceted cultural heritage. Through dialogue, storytelling, and strong community partnerships, we strengthen the public humanities and help ensure that cultural resources are preserved and shared for generations to come. Colorado Humanities is affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Library of Congress Center for the Book, and the Smithsonian Institution. To learn more, visit coloradohumanities.org.
About Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado Creative Industries is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life. For more information, visit oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-creative-industries.