Los Angeles is embarking on a search for a new poet laureate, a position Mayor Karen Bass hopes will amplify diverse voices and foster inclusivity within the city’s arts scene. The role, which carries a $10,000 stipend, is designed to position the selected poet as a “cultural ambassador,” actively engaging communities historically underserved by creative writing opportunities.
The city’s call for applications, released this week, seeks “master writers” with at least ten years of published work. The emphasis isn’t simply on artistic merit, but on a demonstrated ability to connect with and represent the experiences of Los Angeles’ diverse population. The job description explicitly calls for a poet who can “amplify the voices of diverse communities” and is well-versed in contemporary social issues.
This renewed commitment to the poet laureate program comes after a period of instability. The position lay dormant for four years before a brief revival in 2021, followed by another departure just a year later. Previous laureates include Eloise Klein Healy (2012-2014), Luis J. Rodriguez (2014-2017), Robin Coste Lewis (2017-2019), and Lynne Thompson (2021-2022). Healy, now 83, is known for her work exploring the influence of place on identity. Lewis, 62, often addressed themes of race and sexuality in her poetry, with pieces appearing in publications like The Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review. Rodriguez, 71, briefly ran for governor of California in 2021, garnering approximately 124,000 votes in the primary, according to Ballotopedia. Thompson, a lawyer by training, focused on themes of family, nature, and her Caribbean heritage.
The program’s revival is being jointly managed by the Los Angeles Public Library and the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs. City Librarian John F. Szabo highlighted the program’s importance in fostering “meaningful cultural exchange through language and storytelling.” The selection process will culminate in an appointment by Mayor Bass in , coinciding with National Poetry Month. Applications are due by .
The initiative is particularly focused on reaching neighborhoods like Compton, Watts, and Crenshaw – areas with a history of economic hardship and racial discrimination that simultaneously birthed the West Coast hip-hop and rap scenes. This connection is not lost on city officials, who recognize the power of spoken word art in these communities. The program aims to build on this existing cultural foundation, providing further opportunities for creative expression.
Mayor Bass articulated the program’s core objective: “Los Angeles thrives when every voice has the opportunity to be heard. The Poet Laureate program ensures that poets from all backgrounds can share their work, engage communities across every neighborhood, and inspire Angelenos of all ages.” She emphasized that the program is not merely about celebrating artistic talent, but about “building connections, fostering creativity, and making the arts accessible and inclusive for everyone in our city.”
The selection criteria suggest a deliberate move away from purely aesthetic considerations. While poetic skill is undoubtedly important, the city is prioritizing a candidate who can actively engage with and represent the concerns of marginalized communities. This reflects a broader trend in cultural institutions towards prioritizing social impact and inclusivity alongside artistic excellence.
The program’s previous iterations faced challenges, including periods of inactivity and short tenures. The current administration appears determined to establish a more sustainable and impactful program, one that genuinely reflects the diversity and dynamism of Los Angeles. The emphasis on community engagement and social relevance suggests a desire to move beyond symbolic representation and towards tangible cultural change.
The role of a municipal poet laureate is evolving. Once largely focused on traditional literary events, the position is increasingly expected to serve as a bridge between the arts and civic life, using poetry as a tool for social commentary and community building. Los Angeles’ new initiative aligns with this trend, positioning the poet laureate as a key player in the city’s efforts to promote inclusivity and equity.
