NOMINATE MISSOURI’S NEXT POET LAUREATE
The Missouri Poet Laureate program began in 2008 to foster the art of poetry, encourage literacy and learning, and promote the reading and writing of poetry across the state. The Missouri Poet Laureate enriches the lives of residents by sharing and promoting poetry through public appearances, readings, workshops, and digital and social media.
During their term, the Missouri Poet Laureate will be expected to create a new work about the state of Missouri. Upon invitation, the Missouri Poet Laureate will provide public readings and events in urban and rural settings across the state that educate students, community members, and business, state, and civic leaders about the value and importance of poetry and creative expression.
The Missouri Poet Laureate program is coordinated by the Missouri Arts Council on behalf of the Office of the Governor. Although recommendations are made for the Missouri Poet Laureate by the Missouri Poet Laureate Selection Committee, the selection authority rests solely with the Governor.
The next Missouri Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term through September 30, 2027. Nominations open on May 1, 2025, and will end at 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
All nominations, including self-nominations, should be submitted via our online application form by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025.
The Missouri Arts Council encourages eligible candidates to self-nominate and for other members of the public to nominate eligible candidates. The Missouri Arts Council complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights. The Missouri Arts Council programs, grants, and employment practices are free of discrimination based on race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, military status, or age.
All Missouri Poet Laureate nominees must fulfill these requirements:
– be at least 25 years of age July 1, 2025
– have been a Missouri resident prior to the nomination deadline
– remain a Missouri resident throughout the two-year term
– be able and available to reach statewide audiences through travel or other means
– provide evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, including publicly accessible work (books, literary magazines, and/or digital media)
– have received recognition or awards for contributions to poetry
– demonstrate ability to promote awareness or enjoyment of poetry
– agree to the conditions and terms of appointment
These items are required as part of each nomination, submitted online here.
– Completed nomination form
– Résumé or curriculum vitae, not to exceed four pages
– Work samples, formatted to fit 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper. Each work sample should indicate where the poem has been published or performed and if it has received any awards for merit. The total number of pages of the work samples
combined with the résumé or curriculum vitae are not to exceed 14 pages.
– Narrative describing what the nominee would accomplish during the two years as Missouri Poet Laureate, not to exceed two pages
– Supplementary materials, including excerpts from published book reviews, judges’ comments, not to exceed two pages. Note: Letters of Recommendation will not be considered.
1. The Missouri Poet Laureate Committee will be composed of Missourians with the experience to review a poet laureate. The committee will review submitted nominations and select finalists.
2. The Missouri Poet Laureate Selection Committee will make recommendations to the Governor of Missouri.
3. The Governor will select the Missouri Poet Laureate.
4. The Missouri Poet Laureate and nominators will be notified when the Governor’s decision has been made.
– The Governor, or their designee, along with the Missouri Arts Council, will announce the Missouri Poet Laureate.
– The Missouri Arts Council will support the Missouri Poet Laureate related to events, activities, and performances during his/her term. The Poet Laureate will work with Missouri Arts Council staff on scheduling, invoicing, and other details required to complete their term.
– The Missouri Arts Council will award the Missouri Poet Laureate an honorarium of $3,000 each year to acknowledge their time and talent. An additional stipend of up to $3,000 each year will be awarded to defray the cost of eligible travel expenses to public engagements and other expectations of the position that are approved in advance.
– contribute to the awareness of poetry throughout the state
– present public readings/events in a variety of public locations throughout Missouri
– participate in statewide literary events and educational programs
– promote poetry and the Missouri Poet Laureate position
– provide a written report of activities to the Missouri Arts Council
– participate in Missouri Arts Council’s statewide events upon request, such as Poetry Out Loud, etc.
– create a new work about the state of Missouri during the two-year term
May 1, 2025
Call for nominations opens
June 30, 11:59 p.m.
Deadline for nominations
September
Governor selects Missouri Poet Laureate
Missouri Poet Laureate notified and public announcement planned
September 30
Current Missouri Poet Laureate’s term ends
October 1
New Missouri Poet Laureate is announced
April 2027
Next search begins
July 1, 2023–September 30, 2025 | David L. Harrison, appointed by Governor Mike Parson
2021-2023 | Maryfrances Wagner, appointed by Governor Mike Parson
2019-2021 | Karen Craigo, appointed by Governor Mike Parson
2016-2019 | Aliki Barnstone, appointed by Governor Jay Nixon
2012-2016 | William Trowbridge, appointed by Governor Jay Nixon
2010-2012 | David Clewell, 2010-2012 (deceased 2020), appointed by Governor Jay Nixon
2008-2010 | Walter Bargen, appointed by Governor Matt Blunt