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The Poet Laureate’s mission is an important and lofty one: To promote poetry statewide, to serve as a herald for Wisconsin’s poets and their verse, and to enrich the lives of Wisconsin’s citizens by sharing and encouraging the gift of poetry.

The Poet Laureate, must meet the following criteria:

• proven level of skill in writing and reading poetry,
• an admirable and proven history of publishing individual poems and/or books of poetry, and
• demonstrated excellence in promoting awareness or enjoyment of poetry in Wisconsin.

She/he must also have been a resident of Wisconsin for at least one year prior to the application deadline, be at least 18 years of age, and be available to travel throughout the state.

The application process is held every two years in the Spring. Download a sample application in PDF format.

For further details about the Governor-appointed Poet Laureate position, contact the Chairperson or a member of the Poet Laureate Commission.