Program Overview
The Washington State Poet Laureate serves to build awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. The appointed poet laureate serves a two-year term.
In April 2007, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill that recognized the value of poetry to the culture and heritage of the state by establishing the Washington State Poet Laureate. The poet laureate is sponsored by Humanities Washington and ArtsWA, with the support of Gov. Jay Inslee. The position is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities Washington. Poets can self-nominate every two years through an application process.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2018-2020 poet laureate. Read more>
About Tod Marshall
The current poet laureate is Tod Marshall, who assumed the role February 1, 2016.
Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won the Washington State Book Award in 2015. He is also the author of two previous collections, Dare Say (2002) and The Tangled Line (2009), and a collection of interviews with contemporary poets, Range of the Possible (2002). He succeeds poets Elizabeth Austen (2014-2016), Kathleen Flenniken (2012–2014), and Sam Green (2007–2009). Learn more about past laureates here.
Read Marshall’s blog at wapoetlaureate.org, and follow him on Facebook and Twitter. To get in touch with Marshall or book him for a workshop or presentation, email poet@humanities.org
Upcoming Events
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 11:00 am, Saturday
July 15, 2017 - Where
- Anderson Park
7802 168th Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Wednesday
September 20, 2017 - Where
- Freeland Library
5495 Harbor Ave.
Freeland, WA 98249 United States
Event with the Washington State Poet Laureate
Join Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall as he builds awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state. Marshall, a poet and professor at Gonzaga University, is the author most recently of Bugle (2014), which won […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Thursday
September 21, 2017 - Where
- Oak Harbor Library
1000 SE Regatta Dr
Oak Harbor, WA 98277 United States