The Kentucky Poet Laureate holds the position from Jan. 1, 2027, to Dec. 31, 2028, and will serve without salary. The Kentucky Poet Laureate receives a $7,500 honorarium to cover travel expenses during the two-year term.

The Kentucky Poet Laureate’s minimum duties over the two years of office are to:

• make a presentation at the Kentucky Arts Council’s annual Kentucky Writers’ Day (held on or around April 24)
• promote the literary arts in Kentucky through readings of their work, workshops, and presentations at meetings, seminars, conferences, schools and libraries across the state.

The purpose of the Kentucky Poet Laureate Program is to honor outstanding Kentucky writers and promote participation in the literary arts of the state.

Nominations will be assessed using the following review criteria:

• Publication of the nominee’s written body of literary work that is informed by living in Kentucky
• Critical acclaim for the nominee’s high degree of creativity and clarity of form and style as demonstrated by the submitted work samples and by the receipt of special honors
• The nominee’s capacity to promote the literary arts in Kentucky through readings and public presentations at meetings, seminars, conferences and other programs across the commonwealth, including Kentucky Writers’ Day

Eligible nominees:

• Nominees must be full-year residents of Kentucky, with a long association with the commonwealth.
• Published writers of any of the recognized literary forms, including poetry, fiction, biographical work, creative nonfiction, playwriting, etc.

How to Make a Nomination

• Thoroughly read the guidelines and instructions prior to beginning the nomination form.
• Submit the completed nomination form by the deadline.

Program Support

The Kentucky Arts Council offers the following support to ensure that program standards and goals are met:

• Consultation regarding nomination eligibility
• Instructions for completing and submitting a nomination

Who May Nominate

Kentucky Poet Laureate nominations may come from individuals or organizations within or outside of the commonwealth of Kentucky.

Current and past Kentucky Poets Laureate are ineligible for nomination.