The following announcement was just made by the office of Orlando Mayor Dyer, in regards to finding its third-ever Poet Laureate, as the end of reigning Poet Laureate Shawn S. Welcome approaches.
“Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has announced that the City of Orlando, in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, is seeking to appoint the city’s third Poet Laureate. The purpose of this position is to promote poetry and foster an appreciation of it among residents and visitors, while inspiring the next generation of poets, literary artists, and readers.
The Poet Laureate is a ceremonial appointment. The selected poet will serve as a prominent figure in Orlando’s cultural, literary, and visual arts communities, presenting original poetry at city events, community gatherings, and youth-focused activities. The new Poet Laureate will be officially introduced in October 2025 during National Arts and Humanities Month.
“Orlando is a young, vibrant, and inclusive city with many important stories to tell. The Poet Laureate continues to serve as our official storyteller,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The arts and poetry are essential parts of our cultural fabric. Our Poet Laureate helps deepen literary engagement within our community.”
“Shawn Welcome, whom I appointed as Orlando’s second Poet Laureate in 2021, has served with distinction and has inspired a new generation of literary artists,” Dyer continued. “He has made a meaningful impact on our city by engaging the community and creating several original poems. Through works like Reason Why and his involvement in our Words & Wonders Poetry Contest—which encourages residents to write poetry at home—Shawn has shown how poetry can foster unity and civic pride.”
Mayor Dyer appoints the Poet Laureate Search Committee, a diverse group of poets, scholars, and local literary leaders, to assist in the selection process. The Mayor’s Office and United Arts of Central Florida will convene and facilitate the committee’s work. The committee includes representatives from the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, Rollins College, Seminole State College, Burrow Press, and several accomplished local poets. Orlando’s current Poet Laureate, Shawn Welcome, will serve as an ex-officio non-voting member.
The Search Committee will evaluate all eligible applications based on artistic merit, the quality of literary work samples, and the applicant’s background and experience. Nominees must demonstrate a record of achievement in the art of poetry, including significant publications and recognition or awards. Candidates must also be Central Florida residents, at least 21 years of age, and willing to fulfill the public engagement duties associated with the role. Complete eligibility requirements can be found in the program guidelines on the website unitedartscfl.org/poetlaureatesearch. Committee deliberations will begin in July.“
Applicants have until June 30, 2025, to apply and submit their applications via the link above.
This year’s search committee features the following:
- Committee Chair: Carolyn Fennell, former Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Community Relations, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
- Dr. James Campbell, Chair and Professor of English, University of Central Florida
- Dr. Matthew Forsythe, Director of Writing Competency, Rollins College
- Valeda Flewellyn, Poet and Author
- Dr. Shari Koopman, Professor of English, Valencia College
- Kristin Harmel, Author
- Ryan Rivas, Publisher, Burrow Press
- Veronica Smith, Poet
- Julia Young, Founder and Executive Director, Page 15
