Now Accepting Applications
2024-25 Santa Clara County Poet Laureate
Every two years, SVCREATES partners with the County of Santa Clara, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), and Poetry Center San José to select a new Santa Clara County Poet Laureate. Since 2009, we have been moved by each of the poets selected: County Poet Laureates Nils Peterson, Sally Ashton, David Perez, Arlene Biala, Mighty Mike McGee, Janice Lobo Sapigao, and most recently, Tshaka Campbell. Thank you to this remarkable group of poets for elevating this beautiful art form and sharing the power of poetry to heal, inform, and inspire.
The Santa Clara County Poet Laureate is an honorary two-year position in service to the community. The Poet Laureate will be formally appointed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, acting on a recommendation determined through an artistic and community panel selection process coordinated by SVCREATES.
During their term, the Poet Laureate will act as an advocate for poetry, literature, and the arts; and contribute to Santa Clara County’s poetry and literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.
The next Poet Laureate will serve from January 2024 - December 2025 and receive a stipend of $6,000 per year, with a budget of $1,000 per year for reimbursable expenses related to their activities. In addition, the Poet Laureate may have the opportunity to publish a chapbook through Poetry Center San José.
Click here to review the guidelines and application instructions for the 2024-25 Santa Clara Poet Laureate. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, September 22 at 5:00pm.