Newark, New Jersey, is seeking its first-ever Poet Laureate, marking a new chapter in the city’s rich literary tradition.
The city has announced the opening of applications for the inaugural Poet Laureate, a new position dedicated to promoting the literary arts within the community. This will be the first time Newark selects someone for this role, which will focus on fostering creativity and celebrating poetry.
“Poetry is something Newarkers celebrate when we come together, and it’s a valuable part of our culture as a community,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “Verse and spoken word is in our blood – and I am proud that Newark is adding this Poet Laureate program as a heartbeat at our center.”
The Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term, with a new poet selected every two years. The role involves inspiring Newark residents to explore creative expression, highlighting poetry in nontraditional settings, and facilitating dialogue between local poets, cultural organizations, and community institutions.
Professional poets based in Newark have until Monday, February 3, 2025, to apply for the 2025-26 term. A selection committee will review submissions and choose top candidates based on the quality of their work, community engagement, and ability to promote public appreciation for poetry. Finalists will be interviewed, and the selection will be made in March.
The appointed Poet Laureate will receive a $5,000 annual honorarium and have access to a programmatic budget of up to $10,000 per year, managed by the City’s Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
“The Newark Public Library is thrilled to support a Poet Laureate for our city. Newark’s literary history is significant, and you only have to walk into the library to see it,” said Newark Public Library Director Christian Zabriskie. “We hope this program will bring a new generation of poetry to life in our city and create new stories for our shelves for years to come.”
