2026-2028 Iowa Poet Laureate Nomination
Guidelines
The Iowa Poet Laureate is an honorary state appointment intended to recognize the importance of poetry in Iowans’ everyday lives. Iowa Code 15.470 established the position as a two-year renewable appointment by the Governor of Iowa that is entitled to no compensation because of the appointment but whose poetic accomplishments deserve recognition as the state poet laureate. The position is selected by the Governor from a list of three nominees put forth by a volunteer citizen committee selected by Humanities Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. The nominating committee is charged with considering the diversity of the people and poetry of Iowa.
Nomination Process
- Read the Guidelines
- Complete the Online Application
Timeline
- January 13, 2026 | Deadline to Submit Nominations
Nominations must be submitted online by 11:59 PM, January 13, 2026 - Spring 2026 | Announcement
The Iowa Poet Laureate will be announced in Spring 2026.
Position Expectations
The Iowa Poet Laureate is an honorary position considered to be a partnership between the State of Iowa and the selected poet, along with Humanities Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. The Iowa Poet Laureate is expected to engage in public speaking and programmatic opportunities as they arise over the course of the appointment period. The Iowa Poet Laureate will receive reimbursement for their mileage.
Nomination Considerations
Nominators are encouraged to nominate an Iowa poet whose work is of the highest caliber and speaks to the diverse voices of the people and poetry of Iowa. Nominations may be submitted on behalf of another individual or may be submitted as a self-nomination.
Eligible Nominee Requirements
Eligible nominees must meet all of the following requirements. Individuals who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for nomination.
- Individual artist
- Legal Iowa resident as defined by Iowa Code 422.4 and Iowa Administrative Code 701.38.17 (422)
- 21 years of age or older
- Full-time Iowa resident
- Full-time Iowa resident for the duration of the period of appointment
Nomination Submission
Online nominations must be submitted via the Iowa Arts Council’s SlideRoom, an online application portal. Late, incomplete or ineligible nominations will not be accepted. Nominators can access the current online application requirements in SlideRoom. Applicants must create a login to view the full requirements for the program. Nominators can visit the SlideRoom Help Desk for technical assistance related to the online submission.
Panel Review
Eligible nominations will be referred to a review by a volunteer citizen panel selected by Humanities Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. The panel is charged with considering the diversity of the people and poetry of Iowa. Three finalists will be selected by the panel and put forth to the Governor of Iowa who will select the State Poet Laureate. Decisions of the panel and the Governor are final and may not be appealed due to dissatisfaction.
Contact
Potential nominators are encouraged to review all published material and contact the Iowa Arts Council or Humanities Iowa with questions well in advance of the nomination deadline.