Committee Contact: arlingtonpoetlaureatecommittee@gmail.com

Town Seeks Applicants for Next Poet Laureate - September 2025
Interview with Poet Laureate Jean Flanagan – May 2024   

The Town of Arlington seeks applications for its next Poet Laureate by January 30, 2026, with a term beginning as soon as the incoming Poet Laureate can be confirmed by the Select Board after March 1, 2026. Applications are welcome from individual poets who are seeking the position. Learn more about the current Poet Laureate, Jean Flanagan.

To learn more about the role, expectations, compensation, and how to apply, read the complete instructions.

Poets Laureate of Arlington
Jean P. Flanagan (2023-Present)
Steven Ratiner (2019-2022)
Cathie Desjardins (2017-2019) 
Miriam Levine (2015-2017)


 

ARTICLE 11
POET LAUREATE OF ARLINGTON
(ART. 13 – ATM - 4/30/14)
(ART. 2 – STM – 5/8/24)

Section 1. Establishment of an Honorary Poet Laureate of Arlington There is hereby established for the purposes of advancing the literary arts, enriching the community, and recognizing the literary achievements of Town residents, the honorary position of Poet Laureate of Arlington [note: this position now comes with an annual honorarium of $1,500].

Section 2. Selection, Term and Criteria
Appointment of a Poet Laureate shall be for a term of one year, annually renewable for a total of three years based on the recommendation of a screening committee of five persons consisting of:
(a) A designee of the Library Board of Trustees (by majority vote);
(b) A designee of the Arlington School Committee (by majority vote);
(c) A designee of the Arlington Commission on Arts and Culture (by majority vote);
(d) A former Poet Laureate starting with the most recent or a Town Meeting Member (appointed by the Town Moderator) if no former Poet Laureate is available;
(e) A designee of the Town Manager (with advice and consent of the Select Board).

The screening committee’s recommendation for Poet Laureate shall be confirmed by the Select Board.

This honorary position shall be voluntary [note: this position now comes with an annual honorarium of $1,500. Preference is given to Arlington residents, followed by residents of adjacent communities.]   

Section 3. Duties of the Poet Laureate
The duties of the Poet Laureate shall be to present original works of poetry, conduct readings and participate in public events and Town, public school and library programs as appropriate and practicable.