10.7.25
The Maine Arts Commission is taking applications for the next Maine State Poet Laureate. The selected poet will serve a five-year term beginning July 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2031. “The laureate is charged with advancing public appreciation for poetry through community engagement, events, and projects, as well as supporting the Commission’s administration of the national Poetry Out Loud program.” The position comes with an honorarium of $5,000 per year for five years. Eligible applicants must be full-time Maine residents “with a distinguished body of poetic work.” The state’s current poet laureate is Julia Bouwsma.