Create Birmingham, in partnership with the City of Birmingham, is now accepting applications for the 2027–28 City of Birmingham Poet Laureate, inviting local poets to help shape the city’s cultural landscape through the power of poetry.
The City of Birmingham Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry, creativity, and civic engagement, using the literary arts to inspire dialogue, celebrate Birmingham’s diverse communities, and foster meaningful connections across the city. Over the course of a two-year term, the Poet Laureate represents Birmingham at public events, leads educational programming, creates original works for the City, and expands access to poetry for residents of all ages.
Since the appointment of Birmingham’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Salaam Green, the initiative has demonstrated the transformative role poetry can play in strengthening community, amplifying local voices, and celebrating Birmingham’s stories. Through workshops, public performances, youth engagement, original commissioned works, and collaborative projects, the program has established poetry as an essential part of the city’s cultural identity.
“The Poet Laureate represents the voice of Birmingham,” said Viola Ratcliffe, Senior Director of Creative Enterprises at Create Birmingham. “This program celebrates the artists who help us better understand ourselves, our neighborhoods, and our shared future. We are excited to welcome applications from poets who are passionate about serving their community and using their work to inspire civic pride, creativity, and connection.”…