Call for Applications: Prince George's Poet Laureate 2026-2028

 The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for Prince George’s County Poet Laureate for the three-year period of May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2028. This significant cultural position supports Prince George’s County’s ever-burgeoning literary community and reflects the county’s commitment to elevating poetry into the consciousness of residents and to helping celebrate the literary arts. This consultant position serves as an important community conduit for the arts and will carry a $5,000 yearly honorarium issued at 6-month intervals.

The Poet Laureate will act as an ambassador and advocate for poetry, literature, culture, and the arts. It is expected that the Poet Laureate will contribute to the community through public readings and participation in civic events. The Poet Laureate will also propose and lead at least 4 (one per quarter) community projects each year, with an ongoing community presence, engagement, and participation in community arts events to take place throughout each of the 9 Councilmanic Districts throughout the year. 

A. Eligibility criteria

• The Poet Laureate must be at least 21 years or older,
• The Poet Laureate will be available to serve a 3-year term, from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028,
• The Poet Laureate will be a Prince George’s County resident of at least 3 years,
• The Poet Laureate shall have published one or more collections of poetry or have a substantial history of public spoken word performances,
• The Poet Laureate will have demonstrated a commitment to and passion for poetry and embrace the opportunity to engage in community service to make poetry more accessible and available to residents, 
• The Poet Laureate will articulate a willingness to serve as an ambassador for Prince George’s County and to engage residents of all ages (preschool youth, students, adults, and elders) in poetry at public events through public readings, workshops, school visits, and other means, and
• The Poet Laureate will be available to travel throughout Prince George’s County for poetry-related tasks.

 B. Duties of the Prince George’s County Poet Laureate

• Highlight literary arts to promote the appreciation of poetry, and inspire a deeper engagement in the written and spoken word,
• Act as an advocate for poetry, prose, and the literary arts, and create a unique artistic legacy by sponsoring and participating in public readings and civic events,
• Encourage and coordinate collaborative arts events to include music, visual art, dance, and other artistic disciplines, 
• Formally recognize and release an announcement of local poets of merit that have made significant contributions to poetry and the literary arts in Prince George’s County and assist in the creation of “Distinguished Poets” or further develop the “Poets of Excellence” recognition platforms. 
• Work with the Coordinators of the Prince George’s Youth Poet Laureate Program to support Prince George’s County youth poets, spoken word artists, and writers.
• Design and lead National Poetry Month events, poetry-based National Arts and Humanities Month events, and other recognitions that allow Prince Georgians to embrace and celebrate poetry, 
• Champion the mission for the laureateship to raise the status of poetry in the everyday consciousness of Prince Georgians,
• Attend PGAHC weekly Team Meetings to report on progress, activities, and issues of concern,
• Actively participate in social media activity and Office of the Poet Laureate web content development related to poetry events and Poet Laureate activities 

C. Application Requirements 

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria as described in Section A; must confirm their ability to complete the duties described in Section B; and must fully respond to the 3 categories listed herein, Section C, immediately below. 

Applicants must register with Submittable to create a free online Submittable account at https://www.pgahc.submittable.com/ and submit the application online.  Applications will be open from 8 a.m. on February 6, 2026, until 5 p.m. on March 15, 2026.

PLEASE INCLUDE: 

1.  A “Poet’s Statement” describing the applicant’s vision for effectively performing the duties of the Poet Laureate position. 

2. A resume of relevant experience and publications, including explanations of how the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. (5-page maximum)

3. Five original poems (maximum length of 2 pages per poem) 

Poems may only be submitted online via this Submittable platform, not via post or by email. QUESTIONS:   If you have questions about the application process contact Sherri Bryant-Moore at smoore@PGAHC.org.  Please use Prince George's County Poet Laureate in the subject line.  We look forward to reading your entries!