Overview: Elevating Twin Cities literary voices
It's an extraordinary opportunity for Minneapolis writers as the city partners with The Loft Literary Center to select its next civic Poet Laureate, offering both funding and a platform to represent local culture.
The City of Minneapolis and The Loft Literary Center are accepting applications for the 2027–2028 Poet Laureate. The position offers local poets the opportunity to share their creative voice and serve as an official ambassador for the city’s literary scene.
The selected laureate will serve a two-year term from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2028. The appointment comes with an honorarium of $16,000, distributed as $8,000 annually, paid quarterly. In addition, the poet will be eligible to apply for the $50,000 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship.
Throughout the two-year position, the laureate will engage Twin Cities residents through original literary works, public service initiatives, community workshops, and appearances at civic events.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must be at least 21 years old, an active professional poet, a Hennepin County resident, available for in-person work, and have a strong connection and commitment to the Minneapolis community.
Applications must be submitted online by Oct. 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The final selection will be made by a panel composed of members of the Minneapolis Arts Commission and local arts community representatives.
For complete application details or to submit materials, visit The Loft Literary Center’s Poet Laureate Page. Questions regarding the process can be directed to Cristeta Boarini at partnerships@loft.org.