Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate 2025 - 2027
About the Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate
The Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate are honorary posts, first appointed by Coventry Libraries and Information Service and Coventry UK City of Culture in 2021.
Coventry Libraries and Information Service, Coventry City Council are looking forward to appointing a further two new Poet Laureates in October 2025 for a two year period.
- Coventry Poet Laureate – 18 years or older on 31 August 2025
- Coventry Young Poet Laureate – 13 years or older and under 18 years old on 31 August 2025
The Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate are honorary positions which will involve during their tenure, writing poems to commemorate significant moments, giving performances of their work and encouraging an interest in poetry across the city.
The Coventry Poet Laureate will be offered a place on Writing West Midlands' prestigious Room 204 Writer Development Programme. The Coventry Young Poet Laureate will be given free membership of Writing West Midlands' Spark Young Writers Programme.
How do I apply to be Coventry Poet Laureate or Coventry Young Poet Laureate?
Applications are now open to apply for Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate 2025 - 2027.
Apply to be Coventry's Poet Laureate
Applicants are asked to submit two short poems, one of which should reference the theme ‘Our Library’ and the other ‘Sanctuary’. Applicants are also asked to write 300 words maximum about your interest in the post and what you feel you can bring to the role.
Closing date: Sunday 17 August 2025 and 12 noon.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet the selection panel to talk about their poetry and read their poems in September 2025. Successful candidates will be announced late September 2025.
How often are the Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate appointed?
Both positions are now appointed every two years.
Do I need to live in Coventry?
Applicants should live, work or study (at school, college or university) within the city boundaries. Applicants who are not in one of these categories will not be eligible.
Do I need to have been published to apply and are there any other restrictions?
Applicants do not need to have been published, although the selection panel will expect them to demonstrate an interest in poetry (as detailed in a short statement of application) and to write poetry that is generally accessible and of a high quality.
The Coventry Young Poet Laureate must be over thirteen and under eighteen years of age on 31 August of the year of appointment and should have parent or guardian's permission to take up the role.
The Coventry Poet Laureate must be over eighteen on 31 August of the year of appointment
What are the selection panel looking for in a new Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate?
The successful candidates will have an enthusiasm for poetry - both their own and other people's. They will write poetry that can appeal to a broad range of readers and listeners. They will be happy to write commissions (although no commissions are compulsory). Being happy to read work aloud to audiences is an advantage, as is an interest in sharing poetry with other people.
What will I have to do if I am selected as Coventry Poet Laureate or Coventry Young Poet Laureate?
As the posts are both honorary (with no payment attached) the duties are not onerous. Typically, the Poet Laureate writes a small number of poems each year as part of public occasions or in response to events or celebrations. Subject to funding being available, they may also run poetry workshops or be involved in other activities to encourage an interest in poetry.
How are the roles of Coventry Poet Laureate and Coventry Young Poet Laureate managed?
Coventry Libraries will offer support to the Coventry Poet Laureate, including in helping to shape a programme of events across the two years and in helping to sustain and develop a creative writing career if appropriate.
Coventry Libraries will offer support to the Coventry Young Poet Laureate, including fielding requests for the appearances and commissions.
Will there be any restrictions on what I can do as Coventry Poet Laureate or Coventry Young Poet Laureate?
The posts exist to represent Coventry and to encourage an interest in poetry. Although there are no formal restrictions, it is anticipated that the Poets Laureate will make a positive contribution to the cultural life of the city.
Will I receive any payment for being Coventry Poet Laureate or Coventry Young Poet Laureate?
Both posts are honorary and voluntary with no payment attached for the modest demands placed upon the post-holders. It is not anticipated that the role would, for instance, impact negatively on the Young Poet Laureate's school work or the Poet Laureate's other professional commitments. While the posts are honorary and the roles are voluntary, payments are sometimes made for work that is particularly time consuming. Reasonable expenses will be paid.