Los Angeles Seeks New 'Woke' Poet Laureate with $10,000 Stipend

Mayor Karen Bass announces search for city's next cultural ambassador to 'amplify diverse voices'

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has launched a search for the city's next poet laureate, who will receive a $10,000 stipend and serve as a 'cultural ambassador' tasked with hosting 'inclusive poetry events' and 'amplifying the voices of diverse communities.' The winning wordsmith must have at least a decade of published work and focus on 'reaching neighborhoods that have historically had limited access to expressive writing.'

Why it matters

The poet laureate program aims to make the arts more accessible and inclusive for all Angelenos, particularly in historically underserved communities. However, the specific requirements around 'amplifying diverse voices' and hosting 'inclusive' events have raised questions about whether the role is more focused on promoting a certain political agenda rather than simply celebrating poetic talent and expression.

The details

The open call for applications implores 'master writers' to 'step forward and become that voice' to amplify 'the civic importance of literature, poetry and the spoken word.' Part of the laureate's duties will be to headline poetry events across the city, particularly those geared towards Angelenos 'that have historically had limited access to expressive writing.' The program is run in partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library and the city's Department of Cultural Affairs.

  • The application deadline is February 20, 2026.
  • Mayor Bass will appoint the winner in April 2026, just in time for National Poetry Month.

The players

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles who launched the search for a new poet laureate.

Eloise Klein Healy

LA's inaugural poet laureate, who held the title from 2012 to 2014.

Luis J. Rodriguez

LA's poet laureate from 2014 to 2017 who later launched a short-lived campaign for governor of California.

Robin Coste Lewis

LA's poet laureate from 2017 to 2019, known for her work appearing in 'The Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review.'

Lynne Thompson

LA's most recent poet laureate, who held the title from 2021 to 2022.

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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 of Los Angeles (nypost.com)

“This program is not only about celebrating talent – it's about building connections, fostering creativity, and making the arts accessible and inclusive for everyone in our city.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (nypost.com)

What’s next

Mayor Bass will appoint the winner of the poet laureate search in April 2026, just in time for National Poetry Month.

The takeaway

While the goal of making the arts more accessible and inclusive is admirable, the specific requirements around 'amplifying diverse voices' and hosting 'inclusive' events have raised concerns that the poet laureate role may be more focused on promoting a certain political agenda rather than simply celebrating poetic talent and expression.