Kentucky Poets Laureate

Kentucky Poets Laureate

The Kentucky Poet Laureate is selected following for a two-year term following a public call for nominations coordinated by the Kentucky Arts Council. Nominees for this position must reside in Kentucky, have a long association with the Commonwealth, and have a critically acclaimed published body of work that is informed by living in Kentucky.

The word “poet” in the position’s title is interpreted in its broadest sense to include writers whose accomplishments are in any literary form. During their term, the Kentucky Poet Laureate serves as a literary ambassador to the commonwealth. The poet laureate is inducted on Kentucky Writers’ Day in odd-number years.

Silas House

2023-2024 Poet Laureate

“I’ve always felt that it’s great to be part of Kentucky’s literary tradition. I’m proud of that. Some of my favorite writers have been poets laureate, so that makes my appointment to the position extra special to me. I’m especially proud to serve under a governor I admire and respect so much.”

Learn More About Silas House

Poet Laureate Projects

Listen Now: An Oral History Project

Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House presents an oral history curriculum for K-12 students and the opportunity for classroom visits. Students will learn about the importance of listening to the stories and life experiences of their elders by conducting and recording oral histories.

Learn More About Listen Now

Where I’m From: A Poetry of Place Project

Kentucky’s Where I’m From: A Poetry of Place is a project that encourages Kentuckians to celebrate place and identity using Kentucky Poet Laureate George Ella Lyon’s poem “Where I’m From” for inspiration

Learn More About Where I’m From

Poet Laureate History

The position of Kentucky Poet Laureate was originally established in 1926 by an act of the Kentucky General Assembly. James T. “Cotton” Noe was selected for the position. Prior to 1990, poets laureate were appointed to lifetime terms by the General Assembly. At times several people held the position simultaneously.

In 1990, new legislation was enacted (KRS 153.600) to provide for the gubernatorial appointment of a state poet laureate for a two-year term. The Kentucky Poet Laureate’s duties include promoting the literary arts and leading the state in literary activities, including Kentucky Writers’; Day (KRS 153.620), which is celebrated annually on April 24 to commemorate the birthday of Kentuckian Robert Penn Warren, the first poet laureate of the United States.