City invites community nominations for new literary ambassador position with $16,000 in total support.

Boulder is officially searching for its very first Poet Laureate.

The City of Boulder has opened nominations for its inaugural Poet Laureate Program, creating an official literary ambassador who will champion poetry, connect with the community, and help celebrate the city’s rich artistic culture.

The selected poet will serve as Boulder’s representative for literary arts, bringing poetry to residents through public readings, workshops, appearances at civic ceremonies, and a signature community project that reflects the city’s identity and values.

According to the City of Boulder, the new program supports the goals of the Boulder Arts Blueprint by expanding access to arts and culture, elevating community voices, and celebrating Boulder’s longstanding literary heritage.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, nominees must:

• Live within Boulder ZIP codes beginning with 803
• Maintain an active creative practice with published or publicly performed work
• Have experience leading poetry workshops or literary events for community audiences
• Be able to fulfill civic, programming, and reporting responsibilities throughout the term

The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a second-year extension based on performance and mutual agreement.

Meaningful Support for Local Artists

The Poet Laureate position includes substantial financial support. The selected poet will receive a $10,000 annual honorarium from the City of Boulder.

In addition, the Poet Laureate will have the opportunity to serve concurrently as the Boulder Library District’s Writer in Residence during the first six months of the appointment, earning an additional $6,000 stipend. Combined, the position offers $16,000 in total support while giving the poet an opportunity to engage with readers across the community.

Nomination Timeline

Nominations opened on July 8, 2026, and will remain open through August 13, 2026.

Community members, organizations, and literary groups are encouraged to nominate deserving poets, and self-nominations are also welcome. After nominations close, a selection committee will conduct a three-step review process before recommending the city’s first Poet Laureate.

A Natural Fit for Boulder

Few communities are better suited for a Poet Laureate than Boulder.

The city has long been recognized as one of Colorado’s literary hubs, thanks in part to the renowned Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, along with an active calendar of poetry readings, author events, and literary gatherings held throughout the year at local bookstores, libraries, and community venues.

The new Poet Laureate will help build on that tradition by making poetry a more visible part of civic life—from City Council meetings and public celebrations to neighborhood events and educational programs.

For local writers, it represents an opportunity to inspire, connect, and help tell Boulder’s story through the power of language. For residents, it’s a chance to celebrate the artists whose words help shape the community’s cultural identity.

If you know a poet whose work has inspired others—or if you’re a poet ready to serve the community—now is the time to step forward.

Visit the City of Boulder website for complete eligibility requirements, nomination details, and application information before the August 13 deadline.

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