Los Angeles Launches Search for New Poet Laureate with $10K Stipend

City seeks diverse voices to serve as 'cultural ambassador' and engage underserved communities.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Los Angeles is embarking on a search for a new poet laureate, a position Mayor Karen Bass hopes will amplify diverse voices and foster inclusivity within the city's arts scene. The role, which carries a $10,000 stipend, is designed to position the selected poet as a 'cultural ambassador,' actively engaging communities historically underserved by creative writing opportunities.

Why it matters

This renewed commitment to the poet laureate program comes after a period of instability, with the position lying dormant for four years before a brief revival in 2021. The emphasis on diversity and community engagement reflects a broader trend in cultural institutions towards prioritizing social impact and inclusivity alongside artistic excellence.

The details

The city's call for applications seeks 'master writers' with at least ten years of published work, focusing not just on artistic merit but on a demonstrated ability to connect with and represent the experiences of Los Angeles' diverse population. The job description explicitly calls for a poet who can 'amplify the voices of diverse communities' and is well-versed in contemporary social issues.

  • The selection process will culminate in an appointment by Mayor Bass in April 2026, coinciding with National Poetry Month.
  • Applications are due by February 20, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who hopes the poet laureate position will amplify diverse voices and foster inclusivity within the city's arts scene.

John F. Szabo

The city librarian who highlighted the program's importance in fostering 'meaningful cultural exchange through language and storytelling.'

Eloise Klein Healy

A previous poet laureate of Los Angeles known for her work exploring the influence of place on identity.

Luis J. Rodriguez

A previous poet laureate of Los Angeles who briefly ran for governor of California in 2021, garnering approximately 124,000 votes in the primary.

Robin Coste Lewis

A previous poet laureate of Los Angeles who often addressed themes of race and sexuality in her poetry, with pieces appearing in publications like The Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review.

Lynne Thompson

A previous poet laureate of Los Angeles who focused on themes of family, nature, and her Caribbean heritage.

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What they’re saying

“Los Angeles thrives when every voice has the opportunity to be heard. The Poet Laureate program ensures that poets from all backgrounds can share their work, engage communities across every neighborhood, and inspire Angelenos of all ages.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor (newsdirectory3.com)

“The Poet Laureate program is not merely about celebrating artistic talent, but about building connections, fostering creativity, and making the arts accessible and inclusive for everyone in our city.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor (newsdirectory3.com)

“The program's importance in fostering 'meaningful cultural exchange through language and storytelling.”

— John F. Szabo, City Librarian (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The selection process will culminate in an appointment by Mayor Bass in April 2026, coinciding with National Poetry Month.

The takeaway

Los Angeles' new poet laureate initiative reflects a broader trend in cultural institutions towards prioritizing social impact and inclusivity alongside artistic excellence, positioning the role as a key player in the city's efforts to promote diversity and equity.