Mayor Buddy Dyer launches search for the City of Orlando’s next Poet Laureate

Do you have what it takes to be Orlando's next Poet Laureate? As the City’s official storyteller, you will present original poems at city events and take part in youth activities to inspire emerging generations of literary artists and poets.

The reign of the City of Orlando's current Poet Laureate, Shawn S. Welcome is coming to an end, and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has launched a search for Orlando's third Poet Laureate.

The process to select the third Poet Laureate has been launched via a partnership between Orlando and United Arts of Central Florida.

A Poet Laureate Search Committee consisting of distinguished local poets, scholars and literary experts will review applications based on artistic merit of literary work samples, experience and background, with applications being accepted now through June 30, 2025 via the United Arts Website.

The purpose of the Orlando Poet Laureate position is to promote poetry and appreciation of poetry among the general public and to inspire an emerging generation of literary artists and readers of literature.

The Orlando Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for the City of Orlando and the greater Central Florida community, fostering public appreciation of and participation in poetry and literary arts. The Poet Laureate will reflect the spirit of the community by promoting literary education in our schools and communities, and by sharing poetry with the people of Orlando.

To become the next Orlando Poet Laureate you must be a resident of Central Florida (Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County) for at least one year and must reside in Central Florida for at least six months of each year.

Before applying you need to:

Have ties to the City of Orlando and a strong interest in serving the city.

Show evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, including substantial publications (books, literary magazines, and/or digital media).

Have received significant recognition or awards.

Demonstrate excellence in promoting awareness or enjoyment of poetry.

Understand and embrace Orlando's varied cultures and history.

Have documented experience in public speaking, teaching, and/or public performance.

Be at least 21 years of age and not currently enrolled in an undergraduate academic program.

Be able and willing to conduct a minimum of 6 in person public engagement duties of the Poet Laureate.

Be willing to sign a Letter of Agreement with the City specifying terms.

Selection Process:

Mayor Buddy Dyer has appointed the Poet Laureate Search Committee, a group of diverse poets, scholars, and literary experts, to assist in the selection process. United Arts of Central Florida will convene and facilitate the selection process.

This Committee includes representatives from the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, Rollins College, Seminole State College, Orange County Library System, Burrow Press, Florida Humanities Council, and accomplished local poets, with United Arts CEO serving as an Ex-Officio member.

The panel will meet in August 2025, with the Mayor announcing the City of Orlando's Third Poet Laureate in October 2025 during National Arts and Humanities Month.

Are you excited? Let us know in the comments below.

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