Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @ 5 PM
The Rockland County Poet Laureate Program seeks to promote poetry as a powerful art form that transcends boundaries, amplifies underrepresented voices, and fosters understanding and connection within our community. Poetry offers a space for personal reflection, healing, and resilience, while also inspiring joy, celebrating diverse experiences, and bringing people together through shared stories and creative expression.
Rockland County’s Poet Laureate is an ambassador for the literary arts, reaching audiences throughout the county and beyond. The Poet Laureate will expand the reach of Rockland County’s programs and educational activities, raise public awareness of poetry, art, and local events, and catalyze cross-agency and organization-based collaborations.
Eligibility - The Poet Laureate must:
- Be a Rockland County resident for at least two years by the start of the term
- Be at least 25 years of age
- Have a body of published work in journals and/or have published a chapbook(s) or a full-length collection(s)
- Have a history of being active in poetry communities, including attending and/or organizing readings or teaching; being affiliated with an organization, magazine, or press which promotes poetry
- Demonstrate experience and the ability to engage diverse audiences and actively build relationships with community organizations and institutions that reflect and serve the residents of Rockland County.
Length of Term: The Laureate will be appointed to serve a one-year term, with the option to renew for a second year. The expected term will be from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2027, and if renewed, will continue through December 31, 2028.
Honorarium: The Laureate will receive a stipend of $2,000 for the first-year term. If the Laureate is renewed for a second year, they will receive an additional stipend of $2,000.
Duties and Requirements of the Poet Laureate include:
Serve as Ambassador for Literary Arts and spread the word about Rockland County’s vibrant and growing literary scene.
Carry out public community initiatives that bring poetry into the lives of Rockland County residents and visitors. The Poet Laureate will develop and define the scope, theme, and format of these initiatives and oversee their implementation. The Arts Council of Rockland will provide logistical support in organizing and publicizing the initiatives. However, the Laureate will be expected to collaborate with local arts, educational, cultural, and community organizations to implement these initiatives and foster county-wide participation. The Laureate should also be prepared to pursue funding opportunities through local grants and/or fundraising efforts to support these initiatives.
Host two public readings each year.
Participate in three County of Rockland events each year such as the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Gold Star Family Remembrance Ceremony, or other county event.
Submit an annual report detailing accomplishments and plans for the following year.
