Applications for the next Madison Youth Poet Laureate are now being accepted throughout National Poetry Month, from April 1 to April 30. The announcement comes as the city continues its commitment to fostering young artistic voices and supporting civic engagement.
The program offers local youth an opportunity to represent their community through poetry and public readings. Applicants must be between ages 13 and 19 at the time of selection and reside within the City of Madison. Finalists will be notified on May 5, with a virtual reading scheduled at the Madison Arts Commission meeting on May 13. The selected poet will be announced in June and begin their term in September after shadowing the current Youth Poet Laureate.
Steven Espada Dawson, current Madison Poet Laureate, said, “Madison has always been a city shaped by its young artists, and I’m honored to invite the next generation of poets to step forward. This is a rare opportunity to represent your city, to deepen your craft, and to discover what your voice can make happen in the world. I’m looking forward to working with the selected poet and supporting them as they grow into this role.” Octavia Ikard, current Youth Poet Laureate for 2025-2026, added: “Being a Youth Poet Laureate means being reliant on your community and city to direct your efforts and voices where it’s most needed…Madison has something to say and if you keep your ears open, you’ll hear it: our youth’s determination for change and justice for themselves and their community.”
The program aligns with broader city values; according to the City of Madison, equity, civic engagement, well-being, high-quality services for residents and visitors, as well as stewardship are central commitments guiding local initiatives. The City also ranked fifth in America’s fittest cities according to the American Fitness Index in 2024.
Winners of this honor not only serve locally but may apply for national recognition through programs supported by organizations such as Urban Word NYC Inc., Academy of American Poets, Poetry Society of America, Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Arts, National Parks Service among others.
Applicants interested in becoming Madison’s next Youth Poet Laureate can find more information or apply online via official channels.
