Poet Laureate
The governor’s advocate for the art of poetry
The California Poet Laureate is a Governor’s appointee whose mission is to advocate for the art of poetry in classrooms and boardrooms across the state, to inspire an emerging generation of literary artists, and to educate all Californians about the many poets and authors who have influenced our great state through creative literary expression.
Over the course of a two-year term, the Poet Laureate provides public readings in urban and rural locations across California, educates civic and state leaders about the value of poetry and creative expression, and undertakes a significant cultural project, with one of its goals being to bring poetry to students who might otherwise have little opportunity to be exposed.
The Arts Council's role
The California Arts Council manages the nomination process for the California Poet Laureate as established by law. After a call to the general public for nominations, electronic applications are reviewed by a panel of knowledgeable and experienced California poets who are identified in consultation with representatives of literary organizations, universities, and other experts in the field.
The panelists review all applications and narrow the number to 15 – 25. Subsequently, the panelists meet, evaluate the top applications, and rank them according to the review criteria. The names of the top three applicants are sent to the Governor’s office for additional vetting. The Governor makes the final selection and names the California Poet Laureate, who must be confirmed by the Senate.
Review criteria for Poet Laureate:
- recognized for excellence of their work;
- known for a significant body of published work;
- widely considered to be a poet of stature; and
- willing to undertake a specific project that shall last through the term, agreed to by the California Poet Laureate and the Arts Council.
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations
Click here to review a detailed overview of the public nomination process and submission requirements.
Questions
Submit questions via email to poetlaureate@arts.ca.gov
PAST POET LAUREATES
- 2023 – 2025: Lee Herrick
- 2015 – 2018: Dana Gioia
- 2012 – 2014: Juan Felipe Herrera
- 2008 – 2011: Carol Muske-Dukes
- 2005 – 2008: Al Young
- 1966 – 2000: Charles Garrigus
- 1953 – 1961: Gordon W. Norris
- 1933 – 1944: John Steven McGroarty
- 1929 – 1931: Dr. Henry Meade Bland
- 1915 – 1928: Ina Donna Coolbrith
ABOUT THE POSITION
The position of California Poet Laureate was established as a part of the California Government Code in 2001 through AB 113 authored by Assemblymember Fran Pavley. Through this bill, the California Arts Council is designated to recommend individuals to the Governor for the position of the state’s Poet Laureate. The Governor chooses the poet, and Senate approves the appointment. Under this law, the Poet Laureate no longer holds the title for life as in the last century, but instead serves a two-year term (depending on confirmation date by the Senate) and is limited to two terms.
BEYOND CALIFORNIA
California’s poets are among the most prestigious in the nation. They have received numerous significant awards including Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award and some have served as United States Poets Laureate, such as Juan Felipe Herrera, Robert Haas, Kay Ryan, and Robert Pinsky. California’s poets have provided a great source of inspiration to their communities, students, and the people of California.
