Calls for new Poets Laureate for Staffordshire

People from Staffordshire with an interest in poetry are being invited to put themselves forward for one of two roles as Poets Laureate for the county.

Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts Service are looking for a new Staffordshire poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate.

The two-year role of Poet Laureate is open to experienced poets aged 18 years or over who live or work in Staffordshire.  The Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate is open to young people aged 14 to 18 and is a one-year position.  Applicants must either live or study in Staffordshire, share a love of poetry and have the enthusiasm to promote it. 

The two successful applicants will take up their roles on National Poetry Day on Thursday 3 October 2024.

Cathrine Mann, Assistant Director for Culture, Rural & Safer Communities at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for adults and young people who love poetry and want to share their love of it with others.

“We’re now in our 11th year and we’ve had some wonderful poets doing the role, including our current Young Laureate Trinity Davis and Poet Laureate Dawn Jutton, who will continue their role until October.  I would definitely encourage anyone with an interest in poetry to apply.  It’s not only a great way to develop a career in poetry but also helps get more people involved.”

Entries for both roles close at 5pm on Friday 2 August 2024.