Salem's Next Poet Laureate Deadline Set For This Week

SALEM, MA — The application deadline for those looking to become the next Salem Poet Laureate is this week.

Mayor Dominick Pangallo announced the opening for the position in April with a deadline to apply on June 5.

The initiative is a collaboration with the Salem Public Library and is meant to promote and celebrate Salem's diverse spoken word community.

Launched in 2023, the program is now beginning the search for the city’s second Poet Laureate.

Applicants must be 18 or older, currently live in Salem, and have a demonstrated body of work with samples showing high-quality poetry. The city also requires applicants to show a history of community engagement.

Submission guidelines and the .

The position includes a $1,500 stipend.

“" am excited to once again put out the call for Salem’s Poet Laureate," Pangallo said. "We've been so fortunate to have J.D. Scrimgeour serve as our first Poet Laureate. As his term comes to an end at the conclusion of this year, we're preparing to find the next poet to serve in this role.

"As the deadline for this round of applications approaches, I encourage Salem residents to consider applying. I am grateful to City staff and Salem community volunteers who have worked together to bring this program to fruition, and look forward to working together with our next Poet Laureate."

Mayor's Office staff will first review applications for completeness, then send eligible applications to the Poet Laureate Selection Committee. The committee will review and score the submissions and determine four finalists.

Finalist interviews are scheduled to begin in August and will include poetry readings that are open to the public. The next Salem Poet Laureate will be announced in September.

The person selected will serve a term beginning in January 2027 and continuing through the end of 2028.