Our Coast Cover

SALEM — The Oregon Poet Laureate Program is seeking nominations for the state’s next poet laureate, who will serve a two-year term beginning in May 2024.

Nominees will be reviewed by a committee, which will choose finalists to recommend to the Governor for selection.

During their term, the poet laureate participates in public readings and events, encourages literacy and learning and addresses issues relating to heritage and the humanities and reflects on public life in the state.

The state’s current poet laureate is Anis Mojgani, who is the author of five books of poetry. Previous poets have included Elizabeth Woody, Kim Stafford, the late Peter Sears and Lawson Inada.

Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 8, 2024. To be nominated, poets must be Oregon residents, have resided in the state for at least 10 years and have a significant body of published or performed work.

Poets of all genres and styles will be considered. To nominate a poet, visit www.oregonpoetlaureate.org.