Winnipeg Poet Laureate

The Winnipeg Arts Council is looking for the City’s fourth Poet Laureate who will hold the position throughout 2025 and 2026. The Poet Laureate is a literary ambassador who creates work that reflects the life and concerns of the people of Winnipeg. They create new work, make public appearances, and raise the profile of the city through page or performance poetry. The Poet Laureate will be selected by a panel of community members appointed by the Winnipeg Arts Council and announced during National Poetry Month in April.

PDF of Call for Nominations:

To be considered, a nominee must be someone at least 18 years old who has lived in Winnipeg contiguously since at least January 2020. They must be a professionally published or presented poet, recognized or able to be acknowledged as such by the literary community of Winnipeg. There is no set minimum of publication or presentation history but the poet must have a demonstrated artistic practice.

The Poet Laureate is expected to serve as an ambassador for the people of Winnipeg, and will:

• make three public appearances per year coordinated by the Winnipeg Arts Council, including at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts;
• attend public events and participate actively in the artistic life of Winnipeg;
• create a signature poetry event or program in collaboration with the Winnipeg Arts Council.

Anyone can make a nomination, including a self-nomination, by providing:

• a letter explaining why the person should be Poet Laureate, speaking to their body of work and their abilities as a storyteller. It should show their ability to engage with community, create connections, and reflect different elements of Winnipeg identity through poetry;
• samples of the poet’s work, either as PDF attachments or links to publications & audio or video samples;
• references who may be contacted to provide additional context and support for the nomination. Reference letters are not required but the nomination should include the names of 2-3 individuals along with phone/email contact info, and title.

For questions about the program please contact Dominic Lloyd [email protected] or 204-943-7668.