Surrey 
Poet Laureateship

In May 2027, Surrey will welcome its second Poet Laureate.

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The Surrey Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry across the county, championing creativity, inspiring communities, and helping ensure poetry remains accessible to all. Working alongside the Surrey Poet Laureateship team, the Laureate leads projects, performances, workshops, partnerships, and initiatives that celebrate the power of the written and spoken word.

 

This is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on Surrey's cultural landscape and help shape the future of poetry across the county.

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Applications are now open.

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Application Deadline: 1st September 2026

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What Does the Surrey Poet Laureate Do?​

The Surrey Poet Laureate acts as the public face of poetry in Surrey and works closely with the Surrey Poet Laureateship CIC to:

• Champion poetry throughout the county

• Inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with poetry

• Support the growth of the Surrey Poet Laureateship

• Represent poetry at events, festivals, schools, libraries, and community organisations

• Develop projects and initiatives that create lasting impact

• Help ensure poetry remains accessible, inclusive, and welcoming

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Most importantly, the Laureate should share our belief that poetry belongs to everyone.​

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Who Should Apply?​

We welcome applications from poets of all backgrounds and styles.

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Whether you are a page poet, performer, educator, workshop facilitator, community organiser, published writer, or spoken word artist, we want to hear from you.

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We are not simply looking for the "best" poet.

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We are looking for a poet who can inspire others, represent Surrey's diverse communities, and help us continue building a thriving poetry culture across the county.

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Please note: this role is designed for active members of Surrey's poetry community and requires a genuine commitment of time, energy, and enthusiasm throughout the three-year term.

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Eligibility & Expectations

Before applying, please ensure you meet the following criteria.

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Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a resident of Surrey throughout the duration of their Laureateship

• Have at least three years of active involvement in the poetry community

• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to poetry through performance, publication, facilitation, community engagement, or related activity

• Share the Surrey Poet Laureateship's commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement

 

A Volunteer Position

The Surrey Poet Laureate is a voluntary role in service of Surrey's poetry community. We are therefore seeking individuals who are genuinely passionate about championing poetry and creating opportunities for others.

 

Time Commitment

Whilst the Poet Laureate is supported by the Surrey Poet Laureateship leadership team and volunteers, the role requires an ongoing commitment throughout the three-year term.

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Successful applicants should be willing to:

• Attend and support Laureateship events throughout the year

• Act as an ambassador for poetry across Surrey

• Participate in community, educational, and cultural opportunities where possible

• Be open to undertaking poetry commissions and public engagements that may arise during their term

• Work collaboratively with the Surrey Poet Laureateship team to develop and deliver projects

 

You will not be expected to lead the organisation itself. However, as the public face of poetry in Surrey, you will play a significant role in helping inspire, engage, and connect communities across the county.

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The role is best suited to someone who is enthusiastic, community-minded, collaborative, and excited by the opportunity to leave a lasting cultural legacy.

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The Selection Process

Applications will be assessed over three stages.

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Phase One: Initial Application

Tell us about yourself, your poetry journey, and the work that has brought you to this point.

Applicants will be asked to submit:

• A completed application form

• A short biography

• A statement outlining why they wish to become Surrey Poet Laureate

• Five poems that best represent their work, voice, and approach to poetry

This stage helps us understand your poetry, your values, and whether the role is the right fit for you.

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Phase Two: Your Vision

Applicants who progress to the second stage will be assessed on their vision outlining their proposed tenure.

We want to understand:

• What you hope to achieve during your three-year term

• The projects and initiatives you would like to develop

• The communities you hope to engage

• How you would help grow poetry across Surrey

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We encourage ambition, creativity, and fresh ideas. Equally, we will be assessing how realistic and achievable your plans are, and how the Surrey Poet Laureateship can best support you in bringing them to life.

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Phase Three: Conversation & Interview

The final stage will involve a meeting with the Surrey Poet Laureateship leadership team. This is an opportunity for both parties to explore whether we are the right fit for one another, discuss your ideas in more detail, and ensure we share the same commitment to community, accessibility, and the future of poetry in Surrey.

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The Surrey Poet Laureateship is built on collaboration, and we want our next Laureate to feel supported, empowered, and excited about the journey ahead.

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A Shared Journey

The Surrey Poet Laureate does not work alone. You will be supported by a growing organisation of volunteers, facilitators, partners, and community leaders who share a common goal: making Surrey a place where poetry can thrive.

 

Together, we have already created free poetry hubs, open mic nights, workshops, masterclasses, outreach projects, school programmes, a poetry library, and Surrey's newest annual poetry festival. The next Poet Laureate will help shape what comes next.

 

Together, we hope to continue building one of the UK's most exciting grassroots poetry movements.

 

Ready to Apply?

Applications close at midnight on 1st September 2026.

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We encourage applicants not to wait until the last minute and to take time to prepare a thoughtful submission that reflects both their poetry and their vision. This is a rare opportunity to represent poetry across an entire county, work alongside a passionate and ambitious team, and leave a lasting impact on Surrey's cultural landscape.

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We cannot wait to discover the poet who will lead Surrey into its next chapter.