POET LAUREATE
A Poet Laureate is essential for raising consciousness for the literary arts and poetry.
Heid E. Erdrich, City of Minneapolis Poet Laureate, 2024
City of Minneapolis Poet Laureate, 2024
A Poet Laureate is essential for raising consciousness for the literary arts and poetry. A greater appreciation for reading and writing poetry is an extension of promoting arts in the City of Minneapolis, which seeks to be an artistic cultural hub of the United States.
This honor seeks to elevate those that have contributed extraordinary achievements in the poetry arts and to symbolize how the city of Minneapolis prioritizes and fundamentally values the artistic contributions of its citizens.
The City of Minneapolis’ Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, in partnership with The Loft Literary Center and the Minneapolis Arts Commission are proud to announce the appointment of Heid E. Erdrich as the first-ever city Poet Laureate, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cultural and literary landscape. A widely esteemed poet, author, and advocate, Erdrich brings an illustrious and influential body of work and life experience to this role.
As an advocate for poetry in Minneapolis, the Poet Laureate engages the community in meaningful, impactful, and innovative projects and makes a commitment to sharing the transformative art of poetry through educational opportunities. The Poet Laureate also takes part in civic ceremonies in conjunction with the city, creating a unique literary legacy.
The inaugural Poet Laureate of the City of Minneapolis will serve for a one-year term, beginning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
June events at The Loft Literary Center
Dream it. What Does it Mean to be Indigenous Poets Laureate?
Thursday, June 27, 2024 • 1 - 2 p.m.
Minnesota Poet Laureate Gwen Nell Westerman, Minneapolis Inaugural Poet Laureate Heid E. Erdrich, and former Poet Laureate of Wisconsin Kimberly Blaeser consider the honor, role, and responsibility from their Indigenous perspectives. The three Poets Laureate will be interviewed by Melissa Olson, MPR reporter.
Indigenous Nations Poets Mentor & Fellows Reading
Thursday, June 27, 2024 • 7 - 9 p.m.
In concert with the Indigenous Nations Poets 2024 retreat in the Twin Cities, mentors Gordon Henry, Jr., Layli Long Soldier, and Elise Paschen will read their poetry along with 2024 IN-NA-PO Fellows.
Expectations & Duties of Poet Laureate
Celebrate the city of Minneapolis through public service engagements, including three (3) state and/or city addresses at official Minneapolis city events
Perform in a public event that features the sharing of poetry and conversation with community
Teach two (2) classes through the Loft Literary Center that promote poetry as an opportunity for connection
Develop and execute a civic duty project that engages and serves the Minneapolis community through poetry
Advance the artform of poetry in the city of Minneapolis as an avenue for deep engagement in our community