Milwaukee Public Laureate
Call for Applicants

Are you the next Milwaukee Public Library Poet Laureate?

Overview and Impact

For more than 20 years the Milwaukee Poet Laureate Project has been amplifying and uplifting local poetry in the City of Milwaukee. Each Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador of poetry, helping promote poetry as an art and inspiring new audiences throughout our community. Serving two-year terms, past Milwaukee Poets Laureate have included Mario "The Poet" Willis, Dasha Kelly Hamilton, Jeff Poniewaz, and Roberto Harrison.

Call for Applicants

Visionary, groundbreaking, and community-oriented poets are invited to apply for a two-year Poet Laureate term with the Milwaukee Public Library. We are looking for a Poet Laureate who not only has a prolific repertoire but is also well-versed in leading poetry workshops and events. We are seeking someone who will help us sustain and grow our Poet Laureate program and who is passionate about igniting a love of poetry in community members of all ages. The Poet Laureate will lead:

Five (5) projects, programs, or experiences over a two-year period, including at least one (1) each April for National Poetry Month.
The Poet Laureate’s projects, programs, or experiences must include a minimum of one (1) Children’s program and one (1) Teen program; in addition:
The Poet Laureate will also support the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation by performing their own poetry works each Spring at the MPLF Spring Literary Luncheon, and each Fall at the MPLF Annual Benjamin Franklin Awards Celebration.
The Poet Laureate will produce one (1) original work reflective of their time spent as the MPL Poet Laureate.

Poet Laureate Details

Two-year term from January 2025 through December 2026.
A stipend of $5000 will be provided by the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.

Poet Laureate Required Qualifications

Resident of the City of Milwaukee.
Previous experience organizing and presenting programs or performances in the literary arts or other creative fields.
Committed to making poetry accessible to people of all abilities and all ages throughout the City of Milwaukee.
A minimum of two (2) published works; or a substantial repertoire of oral poetry; or a proven record of leading successful poetry events and workshops. Additional consideration will be given to applicants that meet all three (3) of these criteria.
Excellent communications skills, including familiarity with basic communication and office applications, such as email and word processing.
Agrees to participate in promotional and marketing activities, which may include photography, videography, and documentation of programs and appearances.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual English and Spanish, Hmong, or American Sign Language
Experience with mentorship and giving encouraging, positive, and thoughtful feedback.

Deadline to Apply: Friday, October 18, 2024

Poet Laureate Application

Please fill out the form below. (*) = required

Name: *

Email Address: *

Phone Number: *

Cover Letter & Resume: *

Please share an overview of your work as a poet and how your contributions to the poetry community have prepared you to be the MPL Poet Laureate. (Examples might include: publication of your original poetry works, including chap books, mentoring & coaching other poets, public performance, public speaking and presenting, developing educational activities, and/or leadership experience). *

The MPL Poet Laureate will offer five (5) projects, programs, or experiences over a two-year period, including at least one (1) each April for National Poetry Month. What are your proposed projects, programs, or experiences and their intended audience(s)? *

How would you ensure the Poet Laureate activities are welcoming and inclusive of diverse community members? *