The vision and purpose of the poet laureate
Seeking Clark County’s Next Poet Laureate
The Clark County Arts Commission created the Poet Laureate position in the belief that poetry belongs to everyone. The Poet Laureate works as a cultural ambassador for the county: sharing poems at public events, writing verse for special occasions, and representing Clark County as a keeper of its stories and a voice for its people. The central charge has stayed the same since the county named its first Poet Laureate: to promote the art of poetry and literature in every corner of the county, from Vancouver’s neighborhoods to the small towns and rural roads of Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, La Center, Woodland, and Yacolt.
The Poet Laureate’s work centers on three commitments. The first is to promote poetry as a living art form. The second is to open the door to the literary arts for people who may never have seen themselves as readers or writers of poems. The third is to encourage poetry as a regional voice that helps us understand this place, including its river, its forests, its history, and the many communities who call it home. In practice, this can mean leading workshops in schools and libraries, hosting readings and open mics, working with other artists and local organizations, and finding new ways to bring poems into everyday public life.
As we look toward 2027, the Commission hopes to find a poet who will build on the work of the laureates before them and bring a fresh vision of their own. We are looking for someone who listens as well as they write. We want a poet who will reach young people and elders, longtime residents and newcomers, and voices from every background, and who will help show that the power of words can bring a community together. We welcome proposals that are creative, collaborative, and rooted in the character of Clark County.
The Clark County Arts Commission is proud to host and support this position. We see the Poet Laureate as more than an honor. The role is a lasting investment in the cultural life of our county. Each laureate adds to a growing tradition, and each “passing of the pen” carries that tradition forward. We invite practicing poets who live in Clark County to consider how they might serve their community through poetry, and to help write the next chapter of this program.
Clark County’s current Poet Laureate
Susan Dingle
There is currently a
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS for a new
Clark County Poet Laureate, 2027–2029
Clark County Arts Commission, Vancouver, Washington
See details below.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Clark County Poet Laureate, 2027–2029
Clark County Arts Commission, Vancouver, Washington
Overview
The Clark County Arts Commission is accepting applications for the position of Clark County Poet Laureate. The Commission established this position in 2013 to promote the art of poetry and literature throughout Clark County and to affirm the vital role of the literary arts in the civic and cultural life of the community. Every two years, the Commission selects a practicing poet to serve as the county’s Poet Laureate and cultural ambassador for the literary arts.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Poet Laureate represents Clark County as a culture bearer and ambassador for poetry. Responsibilities include promoting poetry as an art form, expanding public access to the literary arts, and encouraging poetry as a regional voice that contributes to a shared sense of place. The Poet Laureate may be asked to compose original work for civic occasions and special events and to represent the county at public functions. The Poet Laureate is also expected to lead or take part in readings, workshops, and community programs. The Commission encourages applicants to propose a scope of work that reflects their own interests, skills, and abilities. It particularly welcomes projects that engage schools, libraries, community organizations, and residents in all parts of the county.
Term of Service
The Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term beginning May 1, 2027 and ending April 30, 2029 (possibly subject to modification). The incoming Poet Laureate will be formally recognized at a public “passing of the pen” ceremony, to be held on a date and at a location to be announced.
Compensation
This is a volunteer position. The Poet Laureate, based on current discussions with Clark County, will be eligible for an undetermined stipend to support approved projects and program activities during the term. Additional details on the payment schedule and eligible expenses will be determined.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be residents of Clark County, Washington;
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be practicing, published poets;
- Demonstrate a commitment to community outreach and collaboration, and an interest in promoting equity and inclusion through the arts; and
- Be available to serve the full two-year term.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following materials: a letter of interest; a résumé or curriculum vitae; a writing sample of no more than 10 pages; a proposed project plan or scope of work for the term; and 3 letters of recommendation.
Deadline and Submission
We must receive completed applications no later than 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Thursday, December 31, 2026. Applications may be submitted by email to: ClarkCountyArtC@gmail.com
Selection Process
A selection panel appointed by the Clark County Arts Commission will review applications. Finalists may be invited to interview. The Commission anticipates announcing its selection in early 2027.
Contact
For questions regarding this call for applications, please contact the Clark County Arts Commission at: ClarkCountyArtC@gmail.com