birminghamal.gov
Create Birmingham, in partnership with the City of Birmingham, is now accepting applications for the 2027–28 City of Birmingham Poet Laureate, inviting local poets to help shape the city’s cultural landscape through the power of poetry.
The City of Birmingham Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry, creativity, and civic engagement, using the literary arts to inspire dialogue, celebrate Birmingham’s diverse communities, and foster meaningful connections across the city. Over the course of a two-year term, the Poet Laureate represents Birmingham at public events, leads educational programming, creates original works for the City, and expands access to poetry for residents of all ages.
Since the appointment of Birmingham’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Salaam Green, the initiative has demonstrated the transformative role poetry can play in strengthening community, amplifying local voices, and celebrating Birmingham’s stories. Through workshops, public performances, youth engagement, original commissioned works, and collaborative projects, the program has established poetry as an essential part of the city’s cultural identity.
“The Poet Laureate represents the voice of Birmingham,” said Viola Ratcliffe, Senior Director of Creative Enterprises at Create Birmingham. “This program celebrates the artists who help us better understand ourselves, our neighborhoods, and our shared future. We are excited to welcome applications from poets who are passionate about serving their community and using their work to inspire civic pride, creativity, and connection.”
The selected Poet Laureate will receive a $5,000 honorarium over the course of the appointment, along with additional program support for approved community engagement activities. The Poet Laureate will work closely with Create Birmingham and the City of Birmingham to develop programming that reflects the city’s rich literary traditions while engaging residents through performances, workshops, and public events.
Poet Laureate Responsibilities include:
- Hosting educational workshops for Birmingham City Schools students.
- Participating in official City of Birmingham events.
- Writing original poems commemorating significant civic moments.
- Developing community-based poetry initiatives that encourage participation and celebrate Birmingham’s diverse voices.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Reside within the City of Birmingham at the time of application and for the duration of the appointment.
- Demonstrate a history of publishing and publicly presenting original poetry.
- Have the availability to participate in public programs and community engagement throughout the two-year term.
Applications will be reviewed by a distinguished community panel, whose recommendations will be submitted to the Mayor of the City of Birmingham for final appointment. Applications are available beginning August 17, with submissions due by 11:59 p.m. CST, September 30.
About the City of Birmingham Poet Laureate Initiative: The City of Birmingham Poet Laureate Initiative celebrates the literary arts while fostering civic engagement, creativity, and community dialogue through poetry. Administered by Create Birmingham in partnership with the City of Birmingham, the program recognizes an outstanding local poet whose work reflects the spirit, diversity, and aspirations of Birmingham while engaging residents through educational and public programming. The initiative is supported through partnerships with the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Birmingham.
Interested poets are encouraged to review the complete application requirements and eligibility guidelines before applying. For application materials and additional information, visit birminghampoetlaureate.org or contact hello@createbirmingham.org.
