Applications for Albuquerque’s Next Poet Laureate Sought by Organizing Committee

The Department of Arts & Culture has announced that the Poet Laureate Organizing Committee is now accepting nominations and applications for the esteemed position of Albuquerque Poet Laureate. The selected individual will hold the title for the term spanning 2024-2026. Applications must be submitted here no later than May 1, 2024.

Although not required, nominations can be made at https://tinyurl.com/4es3ryu9.

The Albuquerque Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for the arts, embodying the rich cultural tapestry of our city through the power of poetry. They will have the unique opportunity to engage with our community through public readings, workshops, and special events, inspiring creativity and fostering appreciation for the literary arts.

"This position plays an important role in promoting poetry as a means of artistic and cultural expression and bringing poetry out into communities to support connection within our diverse city," said Elsa Menendez, deputy director of Arts & Culture. "Join us in celebrating the art of poetry by nominating someone or applying to be the next Albuquerque Poet Laureate, who will continue to enrich our city's cultural landscape with their creative voice."

Nominees should demonstrate a deep commitment to poetry and a passion for sharing its transformative potential with the Albuquerque community. Applications must include a resume or CV, samples of poetry, and a statement outlining a vision for the role of Poet Laureate.

The deadline for applications is May 1, 2024. For more information and to access the application, visit https://tinyurl.com/27hn8znt.

Former Albuquerque Poet Laureates are Anna C. Martinez (current 2022-2024); Mary Oishi; Michelle Otero; Manuel Gonzales; Jessica Helen Lopez; and Hakim Bellamy.

The Albuquerque Poet Laureate Program (APLP) celebrates poetry by recognizing a resident poet who makes meaningful connections, honors and serves our diverse community, elevates the importance of the art form, and shares poetry with Albuquerque residents.

APLP is coordinated by a five-person Organizing Committee (poets and artists themselves). The Poet Laureate is chosen biannually by a separate seven-person Selection Committee that represents the diversity of the Albuquerque community and the breadth of the poetry community. The APLP Organizing Committee supports the Selection Committee through a careful review of the competitive applications received and a consensus-based decision process to select an Albuquerque Poet Laureate.