Richmond begins accepting applications for third poet laureate

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The City of Richmond has begun accepting applications for the next poet laureate, who will serve in the role from 2026 to 2028.

The city announced on Wednesday, Dec. 3, that it had begun accepting applications for its next poet laureate.

The new poet laureate will reportedly be Richmond's third, following Roscoe Burnems from 2021 to 2023, and current poet laureate, Joanna Lee, from 2024 to 2026.

Lee and Burnems have joined a panel of city officials, local poets and community partners on this year’s selection jury. The jury will review applications and make recommendations to Mayor Danny Avula, who will ultimately select the next poet laureate.

Lee described how the poet laureate should be a voice for Richmonders.

“A big part of what the poet laureate of a place should do is to write to and for that place -- to bear witness to the times we are living through, and to be a voice for the people who call that place home,” Lee said. 

Avula added that the next poet laureate should help connect the city further, and create paths to healing.

“The city’s next laureate will help us build a stronger, more connected Richmond by using their art to bring people together,” Mayor Avula said. “We’re looking for somebody who does the art form well, who loves this city, and who helps it tell its stories and create paths to healing. Richmond has been so lucky in our first two laureates, and I can’t wait to see the immense talent of this next group of applicants.”  

The city said the poet laureate will receive a $5,000 annual stipend and $2,000 in initial project development funds to implement a community-based project that connects Richmonders through poetry.

Poets who apply must be 18 years or older, and currently live, work, or study in the City of Richmond.

The city said applicants should have an "established record of poetic achievement and fostering literary community."  

Nominations and applications will be accepted through Jan. 12, 2026.

For more information about the program and instructions for nominating or applying, visit the city's website.