“A poet is a witness who imagines, and through these acts gives us permission to do the same.”
Those are words from Anis Mojgani, Oregon’s poet laureate since 2020. Mojgani is nearing the end of his second governor-appointed term and the search is on for his replacement.
Poet laureates participate in at least 10 public readings (or other events) each year across Oregon to demonstrate the importance of poetry and creative expression and encourage literacy and learning, among other objectives.
Oregon’s next poet laureate will start in May of 2024 and serve for two years. You can nominate someone (including yourself) if they are…
- Current Oregon residents who have lived in the state for at least 10 years
- Publicly recognized as poets and well known for excellence in their work
- Have a significant portfolio of published or performed work
Nominations are open through Jan. 8, 2024. The position is funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust and comes with an annual honorarium of $15,000, plus a yearly travel subsidy.
