City of St. Catharines seeks Poet Laureate in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary

The City of St. Catharines is inviting applications from local poets for a one-year appointment as Poet Laureate, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the City's incorporation.

The Poet Laureate, to be selected through a call to artists that opened today (Dec. 8) at www.stcatharines.ca/calltoartists, will serve as an artistic ambassador for the City, and will use poetry to engage residents, celebrate civic pride, and enrich public life through readings, special initiatives, and cultural events connected to the history and culture of St. Catharines. The term will run from January 2026 to December 2026. An honorarium of $2,500 will be provided to support the Poet Laureate’s activities, including the creation of commissioned works for the City’s 150th anniversary.

The Poet Laureate is an honorary civic role that recognizes an accomplished St. Catharines-based poet who demonstrates:
• A strong body of creative work,
• Commitment to community engagement,
• Passion for the literary arts, and
• The ability to represent the City through spoken and written word.

The role includes creating and presenting original poems for key civic occasions, including events tied to the 150th anniversary, and serving as an advocate for poetry and the literary arts across the community. Working collaboratively with the City’s Cultural Services team, the Poet Laureate will take part in City-led cultural events, readings, workshops, and engagement activities; connect with residents through public readings, mentorship, or community writing projects; and complete one legacy project that reflects St. Catharines.

“Having a Poet Laureate is a meaningful way to honour the many voices, stories, and creative traditions that shape St. Catharines,” said Jessica Wilson, Culture Supervisor. “Poetry invites us to reflect on where we come from, who we are, and the future we’re creating together. We look forward to welcoming a poet who can help us mark the City’s 150th anniversary with artistry, thoughtfulness, and a deep respect for our diverse cultural landscape.”

Applicants must be current residents of St. Catharines and remain so for the duration of the term, being prepared to fulfill all responsibilities associated with the role. They should have a strong connection to the literary arts, with demonstrated involvement in the poetry community, and show experience in public presentation, mentorship, or community engagement. Preference may be given to poets whose work engages with St. Catharines’ diverse histories, communities, and cultures, in alignment with the City’s Culture Plan and commitments to equity, inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation.

Application process
Applications are now open at www.stcatharines.ca/calltoartists. Applicants must submit a letter of interest outlining their relevant experience, artistic approach, proposed outreach activities, concept for a legacy project, and interest in contributing to the City’s 150th anniversary programming. A resume or CV detailing publication history, artistic activities, and community engagement experience is required, along with three to five work samples from the last 10 years. Applicants must also include a short bio.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of representatives from the City’s Cultural Services office, a member of the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, and a community expert in poetry or the literary arts. Selection will be based on the applicant’s body of work, contributions to the local or broader literary community, demonstrated capacity for public engagement and collaboration, and ability to represent the City during its 150th anniversary year. Short-listed candidates may also be invited to interview with the committee.