Santa Monica has officially welcomed its second Poet Laureate, Jay Baldwin, who was affirmed for a two-year term by the Santa Monica City Council on March 10. This appointment marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape and celebrating literary arts within the community.
Baldwin, a proud native of Santa Monica, brings a unique perspective to the role. Currently serving as the school librarian at a local elementary school, he is also diligently pursuing a master’s degree in library science. This background uniquely positions him to connect with both young minds and the broader community through the power of poetry and literature. He succeeds Anne Carmack, the city’s inaugural Poet Laureate, who served since 2024.
The Poet Laureate’s Mandate: Enriching Santa Monica Through Verse
As Santa Monica’s Poet Laureate, Baldwin is tasked with a series of engaging and impactful responsibilities designed to weave poetry into the fabric of city life. His duties include:
- Crafting an Annual City Ode: Baldwin will compose an original poem each year that specifically celebrates the essence and spirit of Santa Monica. This commissioned work will serve as a literary tribute to the city’s unique character and its residents.
- Community Workshops and Readings: He is committed to presenting at least two writing workshops or poetry readings annually. These events will be hosted in accessible community spaces such as Santa Monica public schools, the Public Library, or other local gatherings, encouraging participation and creative expression.
- Engaging in Local Events: A key aspect of the role involves participating in and presenting at various local events. This ensures a visible and active presence of literary arts throughout the city’s cultural calendar.
- Championing Poetry and Literary Arts: Baldwin will actively carry out activities that are specifically focused on promoting poetry and the broader literary arts. This could encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at increasing appreciation and engagement.
- Organizing Annual Poetry Events: To further highlight the importance of poetry, Baldwin will spearhead at least one dedicated poetry-related event each year. These events will be strategically timed to coincide with the Library’s National Poetry Month celebrations and the city’s Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, both observed in April.
Opportunities to Connect with the New Poet Laureate
The public will have ample opportunities to engage with Jay Baldwin throughout April as he launches his tenure and participates in the city’s National Poetry Month and Arts, Culture and Creativity Month festivities. Key events include:
Saturday, April 11, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: “The Opening Page, Meet Your Poet Laureate”
This welcoming reception will be held at the MLK Jr. Auditorium and Central Courtyard of the Main Library, located at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Residents are invited to meet the new Poet Laureate, learn more about his vision for the role, and collaboratively craft a community poem, marking a symbolic start to his term.Tuesday, April 14, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Santa Monica City Council Meeting
At the official City Council Chambers, located at 1685 Main St., Baldwin will present a proclamation he has written. This document will formally recognize April as both Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month and National Poetry Month, underscoring the city’s dedication to the arts.Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: 12th Annual Arts and Literacy Festival
Baldwin will be a featured guest at the Virginia Avenue Park (2200 Virginia Ave.) for this vibrant, farm-themed festival. The event will host over 30 community organizations and offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Poet Laureate in a lively, family-friendly setting.
A Commitment to Cultural Enrichment
Mayor Caroline Torosis expressed her enthusiasm for Baldwin’s appointment, stating, “Our city continues to build a vibrant cultural future, and welcoming our second poet laureate is an important part of that commitment. I look forward to seeing how our new poet laureate will inspire residents and deepen our city’s cultural life.”
To support Baldwin in his endeavors and his role in advancing the literary arts and community engagement across Santa Monica, the Poet Laureate receives a $10,000 honorarium for the two-year appointment. The selection process was overseen by a dedicated Poet Laureate Review Panel, comprising esteemed community members and city of Santa Monica staff, who meticulously reviewed candidates to make the final decision.
