Poet Laureates

Victoria's Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate serve as literary and cultural ambassadors.
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Looking to share your love of poetry with Victoria?


Call for Nominations – Poet Laureate & Youth Poet Laureate

The City is searching for a new Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate to bring creativity to our community through the written and spoken word. These two-year terms are a great opportunity for established writers and the next generation of emerging poets.  

Application Details

  • Poets may self-nominate or be nominated by another individual.   
  • Shortlisted candidates must be available for an interview and reading with the adjudication panel between December 16–19, 2024.  
  • Deadline: Apply by 11:59 p.m. on October 24, 2024.

Apply to be the Next Poet Laureate

Learn about the Poet Laureate position here: Call for Nominations: Poet Laureate - Print Version

The details of the call for Poet Laureate nominations are included below as well:

Apply now:

Step 1: Complete the online application form

Step 2: Compile the full application package as outlined in the application form and email it to acollins@victoria.ca 

Apply to be the Next Youth Poet Laureate

Learn about the Youth Poet Laureate position here: Call for Youth Poet Laureate Nominations - Print Version
The details of the call for Poet Laureate nominations are included below as well:

Apply now:

Step 1: Complete the online application form

Step 2: Compile the full application package as outlined in the application form and email it to acollins@victoria.ca 
 

If you have questions, please email acollins@victoria.ca.  

About the Poet Laureate

The 'People's Poet' was established by Council in 2006. Carla Funk served as the inaugural poet laureate. Other previous poet laureates include Linda Rogers, Janet Marie Rogers, Yvonne Blomer, John Barton and Marie Metaphor Specht. Each have brought their unique voice to the creative expression of Victoria’s identity. The City is currently searching for its seventh Poet Laureate.

Over a two-year term, the Poet Laureate produces six new original works. These works reflect ideas and issues of importance to the people of Victoria.  

The Poet Laureate reads poems at Council meetings and at the annual Victoria Book Prize Awards Gala and can be available for reading at additional City events. They lead an annual poetry project or event in the community and serve as a mentor for the Youth Poet Laureate. 

About the Youth Poet Laureate

Created by the Victoria Youth Council in 2013, this position was the first of its kind in Canada. The role has since paved the way for many emerging poets and writers to engage with the community. This will be the tenth City of Victoria Youth Poet Laureate.

This position seeks to give the community access to strong youth voices. They will present original and new work to the City of Victoria Council. They will also organize an annual community youth poetry event. Reaching "youth at risk" populations and encouraging peer to peer education and inspiration, this position will pave the way for youth to engage on a civic level through their artistic voice. The Youth Poet Laureate will also receive mentorship and support from the Poet Laureate over the two-year term.