Newark’s First-Ever Poet Laureate (How To Apply)
Newark is introducing a new “poet laureate” post and is seeking nominees for its inaugural appointment. This exciting initiative aims to celebrate poetry and elevate the city’s literary culture.
According to city officials, the poet laureate will promote the literary arts, encourage local writers and poets, create dialogue within the community, and highlight poetry in “less traditional settings.” This role represents a unique opportunity to use the power of words to engage and inspire Newark residents.
The position comes with an annual honorarium of $5,000, along with a programmatic budget of up to $10,000 per year, managed by the city’s Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs. These resources will enable the laureate to develop programs, workshops, and events that celebrate the literary arts throughout the city.
During their two-year term, the poet laureate will write and present original works at civic events and collaborate with prominent institutions. These include Dodge Poetry, a partnership between the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center that hosts a biennial poetry festival and ongoing programming in Newark. Additionally, the laureate will work with Newark Public Schools and the Newark Public Library to lead workshops and outreach efforts aimed at fostering a love of poetry among residents.
Mayor Ras Baraka, himself a spoken word artist and the son of renowned poet Amiri Baraka, emphasized the importance of poetry to Newark’s culture. “Verse and spoken word is in our blood, and I am proud that Newark is adding this poet laureate program as a heartbeat at our center,” Baraka said.
Christian Zabriskie, director of the Newark Public Library, expressed his excitement for the new program, noting, “We hope that this program will bring a new generation of poetry alive in our city and will create new songs and stories for our shelves for years to come.” Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger León added, “Poetry can stir our souls, engage our minds, and inspire the dynamically diverse people of our great city.”
Professional poets based in Newark who wish to apply for the 2025-26 poet laureate position must submit their applications by Monday, Feb. 3. Eligible candidates must be at least 21 years old, have lived in Newark for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to community engagement through their poetic work. Applications should include a professional biography, resume, statement of intent, work samples, proof of residency, and two recommendation letters.
A selection committee of poetry professionals, municipal staff, and community stakeholders will evaluate submissions based on poetic excellence, community engagement experience, and the ability to foster public appreciation of poetry. Finalists will be interviewed, and the chosen laureate will be announced in March. For details and the application form, candidates can visit Submittable or contact fayemi shakur, Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, at [email protected].
