2026 Nashville Youth Poet Laureate Application Available

This fall, Nashville will accept submissions from young poets, emcees, writers and leaders ages 13-19 from across Nashville who are interested in representing the city as the Nashville Youth Poet Laureate. The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate program aims to celebrate youth across Nashville at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic engagement.

Selected applicants will perform at a semifinals held on Thursday, November 20 at 4pm with Studio NPL where three finalists will be selected to perform at State of the Word for an opportunity to be honored with the title of Nashville Youth Poet Laureate. The State of the Word will be held on Saturday, December 13.

The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate is a joint program of the Nashville Public Library, Metro Human Relations Commission, and Southern Word, in partnership with Urban World, and supported by the Pen Center USA, Academy of American Poets, and Nashville Public Library Foundation.

The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate will have opportunities to share their powerful voice, their leadership, and love of Nashville at numerous events across the city. The organizational supporters of this program recognize that youth voice and community engagement are vital for empowering young people to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

To Apply:

  • Applicants must be between the ages of 13 – 19 years old. They must attend or have attended a Nashville high school.
  • The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate must be a Middle TN resident during their one-year tenure in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
  • Submit 3 original poems/raps/performances as word documents or video links. At least one of the submissions must address the themes of human relations, civic engagement, or social impact.
  • Include a RESUME that has your name, address, phone #, and e-mail; and details all of your accomplishments, community service, after school programs, volunteer experiences, and awards.
  • Please EMAIL any documents you are unable to upload to info@southernword.org.
  • To ensure a range of applicants, only two poets from a school will be permitted to participate in the semifinals and only one poet per school will participate in the finals.
  • If selected, you must be available to perform at the semifinals on November 20 and the State of the Word on December 13.
  • Applications are due Friday, October 17.

NASHVILLE YOUTH POET LAUREATE APPLICATION

Student Name
Would you like to sign-up for our email newsletter?
Keep up with Southern Word events and announcements through our monthly e-blast.

Resume

Would you like to upload your resume OR use the online form?

Poetry Submissions

As part of your application, you must submit 3 original poems. Submit at least one poem that speaks to the themes of Human Relations, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, or Positive Social Change. You may copy and paste each poem using the text boxes provided or provide YouTube links.

Back To Media