South Carolina Poets Challenge Songwriter Laureate Pick

Local poets argue the state's new honorary title should go to a fellow wordsmith, not a musician.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:28pm

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The South Carolina Arts Commission recently selected a songwriter to serve as the state's new poet laureate, a decision that has drawn criticism from local poets who argue the honorary title should go to a fellow wordsmith, not a musician.

Why it matters

The poet laureate position is meant to celebrate and promote poetry in the state, and poets argue that selecting a songwriter undermines the intent and significance of the role.

The details

Glenis Redmond, the poet laureate for the City of Greenville, was informed by the Arts Commission that a songwriter had been chosen for the statewide poet laureate title. Redmond and other poets in the state feel the selection of a non-poet is problematic, as the laureate is expected to do outreach and engage the community through poetry.

  • On March 20, Redmond received the call from the Arts Commission about the new poet laureate selection.

The players

Glenis Redmond

The poet laureate for the City of Greenville who was informed about the state's selection of a songwriter for the poet laureate title.

South Carolina Arts Commission

The state organization responsible for selecting the poet laureate of South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“There was an absence. Someone could have been in classrooms, doing outreach,”

— Glenis Redmond, Poet Laureate of Greenville

What’s next

The South Carolina Arts Commission has not yet announced when the new poet laureate will be officially installed or begin their duties.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the importance of upholding the intent and significance of the poet laureate title, which is meant to celebrate and promote poetry in the state through community engagement and outreach.