The Arts & Culture Alliance is now accepting nominations through March 28, 2025, for the fifth Knoxville Poet Laureate. The form is available at KnoxAlliance.com/Poet.

Knoxville’s long and rich literary heritage includes writers Frances Hodgson Burnett, James Agee, Cormac McCarthy and Nikki Giovanni. Nine years into the Poet Laureate program, four poets have contributed their work to Knoxville’s literary culture: R.B. Morris, Marilyn Kallet, Rhea Carmon (Rhea Sunshine), and Joseph Woods a.k.a. Black Atticus. 

Each Knoxville Poet Laureate has participated in community projects and performed at celebratory civic events, including inauguration ceremonies, the Mayor’s State of the City Address, and Festival on the Fourth. 

Nominees must live within Knoxville city limits, be at least 18 years old, and have had at least one book of poetry published (or an equivalent body of work). A previous Poet Laureate may not be renominated, nor can poets nominate themselves. 

A selection panel drawn from members of the literary community may select up to three finalists from among the nominations. The finalist best representing the community shall be recommended to the City Mayor for appointment. All nominated poets will be notified of the selection outcome.

Poets Laureate receive a $3,000 annual honorarium and serve a one-year term with an optional one-year renewal.

Nominations are due 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, in person or by mail at:

Arts & Culture Alliance
100 S. Gay St., Suite 201
Knoxville TN 37902

For questions or more information, contact the Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or [email protected].

Visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/Poet for details about the Knoxville Poets Laureate and their work.