In a press release earlier this month, Ogden City Arts put out a call for applications the 2026-2028 Ogden Poet Laureate.

“Poetry has a unique ability to capture who we are as a community; our history, our challenges, and our shared hopes for the future,” Lorie Buckley, arts administrator for Ogden City, said in the release. “Through the Poet Laureate program, Ogden continues its commitment to amplifying local voices and ensuring that the arts remain accessible, relevant, and deeply connected to the lived experiences of our residents.”

This position emphasizes promoting literary education in Ogden Schools and increasing access to poetry for residents with limited exposure to the literary arts. According to the release, this also includes:

• “Appearing at public events such as Mayor’s Awards in the Arts, City Council meetings, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and other civic functions, presenting poetry appropriate to each occasion
• Representing Ogden at state and regional events when appropriate
• Developing, coordinating, and implementing community-based literary projects that reflect Ogden’s voices and experiences”

The release further adds that the Poet Laureate position is a two-year contract with a maximum total compensation of $6,000, not to exceed $3,000 per year. The base stipend of $2,000 per year is paid in two installments — $1,000 upon contract execution and $1,000 upon submission of the annual final report.

Other requirements include:

• “Completion of a minimum of five (5) public readings or engagement events per year is required
• Additional compensation of $100 per public-facing engagement, for up to ten (10) additional events per year, may be requested
• Total annual compensation may reach $3,000 per year”

Regina Esparza, marketing and communications coordinator for Ogden City, told the Standard-Examiner in an email that the position helps champion literature in the community.

“This individual helps elevate poetry as a meaningful and accessible art form while celebrating Ogden’s unique stories, cultures, and voices,” she said. “The Poet Laureate creates original works for civic events, collaborates with community organizations, and leads public programs that engage residents of all ages in creative expression. They act as both an artist and an ambassador, someone who helps us reflect on who we are as a city and who we aspire to be.

“At its heart, the role is about connection. Poetry has the power to bring people together, to help us process important moments, and to honor both our history and our shared future.”

She said that the ideal candidate is more than just skilled at writing down poetry.

“We are looking for a poet who is not only skilled in their craft but deeply rooted in community,” she said. “Artistic excellence is important, but equally important is a spirit of collaboration. We hope to find someone who is passionate about outreach, whether that means working with youth, engaging our cultural communities, or bringing poetry into unexpected public spaces. The Poet Laureate should be someone who believes poetry belongs to everyone.”

Esparza said the position contributes to Ogden’s cultural vitality.

“They amplify local voices, preserve stories, and create opportunities for reflection and dialogue,” she said. “In a fast-moving world, poetry invites us to slow down, listen, and truly see one another. That kind of cultural leadership strengthens civic pride and deepens community connection.”

She added that the Poet Laureate of Ogden has the power to also unlock this city and its history.

“Ogden has always been a city rich with creativity, resilience, and layered histories,” she said. “Our Poet Laureate program is one way we intentionally invest in that creative spirit. As we seek a new Poet Laureate, we are excited about the possibility of welcoming a voice who will inspire, challenge, and unite us. Literature is a vital part of a thriving arts ecosystem, and this program reinforces our commitment to ensuring that the arts remain central to civic life in Ogden. We encourage poets who feel called to serve their community through words to apply. This is an opportunity not just to write poetry, but to help shape the cultural narrative of our city.”

Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 20.

For more information and to apply to become Poet Laureate of Ogden, visit https://www.ogdencity.gov/1147/39347/Poet-Laureate-of-Ogden.