El Cerrito Poet Laureate Program

In October 2015, the Arts and Culture Commission unanimously agreed to establish a Poet Laureate Program funded by the City’s Art in Public Places Program. The Commission envisions that the laureate will create and lead activities that will raise the status of poetry in the everyday consciousness of El Cerrito residents and inspire writing and performances of poetry among all age groups.

Program Goals


The goals of the Poet Laureate Program are to:
• Promote literature and the arts in the City
• Inspire/encourage residents in their writing and personal expression
• Bring attention to poetry in less traditional settings
• Initiate a dialogue between local poets, cultural organizations, and community institutions.

CURRENT POET LAUREATE


El Cerrito resident Maw Shein Win was selected to serve as the City's first Poet Laureate (2016-2018). Learn more about Maw Shein Win here.

Keep In Touch
You can sign up to receive notifications from the Arts and Culture Commission about the Poet Laureate Program, other arts events and call to artist announcements.