The Danbury Cultural Commission is seeking a Poet Laureate for the City of Danbury. 


As part of the 50+ year tradition of promoting poetry in the City, The Danbury Cultural Commission is looking to name a Poet Laureate. The first step has begun, as the Commission is forming a seven-member Danbury Poet Laureate Selection Committee. The committee will review the applicants and offer their recommendation to the Mayor who will make the appointment.   

What is a Poet Laureate

According to the Connecticut Coalition of Poets Laureates, “A Poet Laureate is a person who is recognized for his or her long-standing involvement in poetry. This person demonstrates passion and expertise in the field and works to promote poetry in the general culture.” 

Danbury’s Poet laureate must: 

  • Be 18 years old or older

  • Have a strong desire to actively engage people of all ages in the community through poetry

  • Be a resident of Danbury for at least 3 years prior to appointment, or have at least 3 years connections to Danbury through employment, family or community involvement, and live in Greater Danbury during entire term

  • Serve for a Three-year term with possibility of extension

  • Be experienced in the field of poetry and able to fulfill the required duties of the position Duties:

    • Organize and/or take part in poetry readings/workshops open to the public

    • Foster public appreciation and participation in poetry and literary arts activities in Danbury

  • Fulfill one special project during the 3-year tenure

  • Be part of the CT Coalition of Poets Laureate as Danbury’s official representative 

  • Assist in the selection of, and mentor to, a Young People’s Poet Laureate 

  • Participate in the Annual Literary Contest 

  • This (unpaid) position will also serve to promote ideas of compassion and inclusion

How do I become Danbury’s Poet Laureate

If you, or someone you know, fits the description please apply. Applications for the Danbury Poet Laureate 3 year term will be accepted from July 15, 2023 through September 15, 2023. Online submissions are strongly encouraged and preferred. Please send your application, by email, hand-delivered, or by mail for the attention of the Danbury Cultural Commission at Coordinator@DanburyArts.com, Gregory Wencek, Danbury Cultural Commission, 256 Main Street, Danbury, Conn. 06810 no later than September 15, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. Eastern time.

Application should include:

  • A cover letter that includes a little about yourself and your connection with poetry. This should also include a statement about what you would like to achieve during your tenure, especially any special project that you would like to undertake during that time.

  • A poetry related resume or CV

  • A selection of 8 to 10 poems that you think best demonstrate the style and range of your poetry

  • Links to any online content that you would like us to consider


The inaugural Danbury Poet Laureate will be officially announced in April 2024 as part of National Poetry Month and presented in May 2024  at the annual Literary Awards ceremony.

Greater Danbury is Danbury, Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield and Sherman, plus Patterson, Southeast, and North Salem, in New York state. 

-30-



About the Commission
The Danbury Cultural Commission was formed by the City Charter in 1967. The 11 members continue to encourage within the City of Danbury, participation in, and promotion, development, acceptance and appreciation of, artistic and cultural activities which include, but are not limited to music, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, films and allied arts and crafts, and to this end may join with private patrons and with institutions and professional organizations. The Commission office hours are Monday and Wednesday morning and meets each fourth Monday in their Main Street office. Mr. Harvey Center is Chairman.