Lucas County Poet Laureate

Lucas County Poet Laureate Now Accepting Applications The Lucas County Commissioners and its partners encourage all eligible candidates to self-nominate and for members of the public to nominate eligible candidates. The Lucas County Commissioners and its partners comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights, including processes and practices free of discrimination based on race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or age. All residents of Lucas County are eligible for nomination, excluding employees of the Lucas County Commissioners and members of the nomination review and selection committees and their immediate families. Community Advisory Panel members invited to submit input on the nomination process and Poet Laureate program are eligible for nomination. Click here to submit a nomination.Past Poet Laureates include Jonie McIntire (2022-2026), Jim Ferris (2014-2020), & Joel Lipman (2008-2014).Nomination GuidelinesAll Lucas County Poet Laureate Nominees must: Be at least 18 years of age Have been a Lucas County resident for one year prior to the nomination deadline Remain a Lucas County resident through the Poet Laureate two-year term Have a demonstrable body of work showing excellent skills in the writing, reading, and/or performance of poetry in any form Provide evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, a) including a body of publicly accessible works (e.g. print and/or digital publication, audio and/or video recording, streaming, and other means of publication), b) also including significant recognition or awards for contributions to poetry Demonstrate excellence in promoting awareness of and engaging the public in enjoyment of poetry Be able to reach and serve a county-wide audience (in-personal and virtual) Agree to conditions for the term of the appointment Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage own scheduleApply or nominate a candidate by June 26 at 11:59pm.Expectations of the PositionThe Lucas County Poet Laureate is expected to: Contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry throughout Lucas County Lead one (1) significant project unique to the individual that will inform future Poet Laureate programming and/or act as an archive of the Poet Laureate's influence or experience Present annual report to Lucas County Commissioners to be documented in public minutes; complete final reflection paper and/or audio or video recording at the conclusion of the term Attend statewide literary events and educational programs as schedule permits, including engagement with Ohio Poet Laureate Contribute one (1) significant work developed during Poet Laureate term for public archives of the program Assist in the transition of the succeeding Lucas County Poet Laureate Project Details May 19th – June 26th Applications will be accepted until June 26, 2026. To apply or nominate, visit https://artscommission.grantplatform.com/ Apply or Nominate Applications will be accepted until June 26, 2026 at 11:59pm. Apply or Nominate Related Application Guidelines Apply or Nominate Volunteer Give Now The Arts Commission 1000 Adams Street Toledo, Ohio 43604 419-254-ARTS (2787) Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin Subscribe Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Statement Inclusion, diversity, equity and access are fundamentally important to our work at The Arts Commission. Our aim is to provide access and opportunity to art and culture for all in our community. It is our committed practice to stand alongside, listen and act based upon community needs. We have a responsibility to advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity and access. The Arts Commission will continue to deepen this practice as we move into the future.The Arts Commission believes that the arts can provide the space to foster conversations that bring us together. The arts have long stood in the gap as a bridge between cultures. They have served as a place to support healing, as well as a place to develop and exchange compassion. We trust the arts in this role. By embracing our differences and celebrating our similarities we build a more vibrant, just, and inclusive society. Terms All content on this site is presented in support of Toledo's creative community and is made available as such. Accessibility The Arts Commission strives to provide programming and events in an inclusive manner in accessible spaces and venues. Should you wish to visit or participate and need accommodation, please contact us at 419-254-2787. Copyright © 2026 The Arts Commission. All Rights Reserved.