The 2020 nomination period has closed.


Mayor McNamara will announce the City of Rockford Poet Laureate at the City of Rockford Arts Awards reception in October. 

Poet Laureate

The City of Rockford Poet Laureate Committee encourages all eligible candidates to self-nominate and for other members of the public to nominate eligible candidates.  Poets of all subgenres and styles will be considered.

Nominees:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of nomination
  • Must have been a City of Rockford resident for at least 1 year prior to the nomination deadline
    and remain a resident throughout the two-year term
  • Must be committed to bringing poetry to a wide range of places and people
  • Must be able and available to reach City of Rockford audiences through travel or other means
  • Provide evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, including having a body of publicly
    accessible work (published books, literary magazines, and/or digital media)
  • Must be prepared to undertake the public role required of the laureate

See Full Description of Poet Laureate Nomination Guidelines 

Youth Poet Laureate

The City of Rockford Poet Laureate Committee encourages the nomination of all eligible candidates for City of Rockford Youth Poet Laureate.  Poets of all subgenres and styles will be considered.

Nominees for the Youth Poet Laureate:

  • Must be at 18 years of age or younger at the time of nomination
  • Must have been a City of Rockford resident for at least 1 year prior to the nomination deadline
    and remain a resident throughout the two-year term
  • Must be committed to bringing poetry and literary arts to other youth and community

See Full Description of Youth Poet Laureate Nomination Guidelines