The City of Orlando is seeking applications for its 2025 Poet Laureate Program.
Donor Name: City of Orlando
State: Florida
County: Lake County (FL), Orange County (FL), Osceola County (FL), Seminole County (FL)
City: Orlando
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: 06/30/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 4 Years
Details:
The purpose of the Orlando Poet Laureate position is to promote poetry and appreciation of poetry among the general public and to inspire an emerging generation of literary artists and readers of literature. The Orlando Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for the City of Orlando and the greater Central Florida community, fostering public appreciation of and participation in poetry and literary arts. The Poet Laureate will reflect the spirit of the community by promoting literary education in schools and communities, and by sharing poetry with the people of Orlando.
Funding Information
The Poet Laureate will receive an honorarium of $5,000 per year for up to a four-year term renewal, plus reimbursement for approved, related expenses.
Grant Period
October 2025 – October 2029.
Eligibility Criteria
The nominee must:
- Be a documented resident of Central Florida (Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County) for at least one year and must reside in Central Florida for at least six months of each year
- Have ties to the City of Orlando and a strong interest in serving the city
- Show evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, including substantial publications (books, literary magazines, and/or digital media)
- Have received significant recognition or awards
- Demonstrate excellence in promoting awareness or enjoyment of poetry
- Understand and embrace Orlando’s varied cultures and history
- Have documented experience in public speaking, teaching, and/or public performance
- Be at least 21 years of age and not currently enrolled in an undergraduate academic program
- Be able and willing to conduct a minimum of 6 in person public engagement duties of the Poet Laureate
- Be willing to sign a Letter of Agreement with the City specifying terms.
For more information, visit City of Orlando.
