Gathering of Poets Laureate : Poets Building Community
On behalf of the City of Minneapolis – Arts & Cultural Affairs, the Loft Literary Center and The Great Northern, you are invited to the inaugural Gathering of Poets Laureate on January 29. Experience Minnesota’s voices in an unforgettable evening as current and former Poets Laureate from across our state come together to share their work and celebrate the power of the written and spoken word.
This event is the culminating public program of Minneapolis Poet Laureate Junauda Petrus’s 2025–2026 laureate year. Conversation will be guided by Petrus’s central question—“What does community look like for you?”—Poets Laureate will share original poems and reflect on the civic and cultural work they carry into their communities. The evening will weave together art, storytelling, and public purpose, offering a rare glimpse into how poets help shape the places we call home.
Join us for a powerful evening of poetry, connection, and celebration at Open Book! Minneapolis Poet Laureate Junauda Petrus and fellow Poets Laureate Gwen Westerman (Minnesota State), Heid E. Erdrich (City of Minneapolis) , Jean Prokott (Rochester), Joyce Sutphen (Minnesota State), Donte Collins (St.Paul) will share moving readings and reflections. We will also take a moment to recognize Andrea Jenkins for her contributions as a poet and her pivotal role in establishing the Minneapolis Poet Laureate position (City Council Member 2017-2025).
All are welcome to gather, listen, and take part in this memorable literary event.
Date: Thursday, January 29
Time: Doors: 4:30 p.m. - Event 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: Open Book Performance Hall, 1101 Washington Ave. South, Minneapolis MN, 55401
Cost: Free to attend
RSVP: A Gathering of Poets Laureate: Poets Building Community
Registration does not guarantee you a seat in the main performance space, and space will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basic. Please plan to arrive early. There will be a streamed overflow room.