Apply to be 2026-2027 Vallejo Poet Laureate!

VALLEJO POET LAUREATE – CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The Poet Laureate is dedicated to building community through poetry and encouraging a love
of poetry among people of all ages. The Poet Laureate is appointed by the Vallejo Center for the Arts and is recognized by the City of Vallejo.

MISSION

The mission of the Poet Laureate is to promote the influence of poetry and enrich the lives of
citizens by sharing and encouraging the gift of poetry.

EXPECTATIONS

• Contribute to the growth of poetry in Vallejo by organizing and leading poetry activities,
  events, and readings of the Poet Laureate’s choosing. At least one such event must be in
  partnership with Alibi Bookshop, Karen Finlay proprietor.
• Partner with Vallejo’s JFK Library for at least one poetry reading event, to be organized and
  coordinated jointly by the Poet Laureate and library staff.
• Attend area literary events.
• Perform at government, civic and school events as requested.
  

REQUIREMENTS

• Admirable and proven level of skill in writing poetry.
• Promising aptitude to engage Vallojoans of all ages and in all our diversity in the awareness
  and enjoyment of poetry.
• Must be 21 or older.
• Must be a resident of Vallejo

TERM

The term of service is two years, from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027. The Poet
Laureate will also join the committee in the search for a successor to the position at the end of
the term. No remuneration is offered for the Poet Laureate position.

APPLICATION PROCESS

A general call for applications is made. The application will be available at www.vallejoarts.org
and paper copies will be available at JFK Library and Alibi Bookshop.

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:

• Completed application form, including the binding statement assuring that the poems are
  original and materials submitted are true.
• Work sample not to exceed 5 pages, one poem per page.
• Resume or curriculum vitae, not to exceed two pages, including applicant’s experience with
  poetry and poetry events.
• Audio or video recording of the applicant presenting their original poetry, not to exceed five
  minutes.
• Explanation of what applicant would do in the role of Poet Laureate, not to exceed 1 page.
  
• All materials should be emailed to: renayconlin@vallejoarts.org
  
• Deadline: Extended to November 7th, 2025.
  
• For questions, contact: Jeff Kingman jkingman@mindspring.com

Download the official application below

Note: Vallejo Poetry Society is just reposting the application here to help spread the word. The application process is sponsored by Vallejo Center for the Arts. Please refer to the contact information above for any questions or comments.