Mobile Arts Council Announces Call for Applications for Mobile’s 2026–2028 Poet Laureate

September 23, 2025

Share this article

The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) , in partnership with the City of Mobile and the Alabama State Council on the Arts , invites local poets to apply for the role of Mobile’s 2026–2028 Poet Laureate .

The Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for poetry in Mobile, using the power of words to engage, inspire, and advocate for the arts in the community The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $5,000 over the course of their term.

Roles and Responsibilities The City of Mobile Poet Laureate will:

  • Host three poetry workshops annually for schools within Mobile city limits
  • Participate in five City of Mobile events each year (events shared no later than February of each term year)
  • Write three original poems annually for the City of Mobile
  • Coordinate a monthly poetry reading with community poets during ArtWalk

Eligibility Applicants must:

  • Be age 18 or older
  • Reside in the City of Mobile at the time of application and throughout the two-year appointment
  • Demonstrate a track record of public presentation of original poetry (in-person, online, or via publications)
  • Have the capacity and availability to attend periodic public events during the two-year term

Selection Process A distinguished community review panel will evaluate applications and make recommendations to the Mayor of Mobile, who will officially appoint the Poet Laureate.

Application Timeline

  • September 1, 2025 : Applications open at mobilearts.org
  • October 15, 2025 : Applications due by 11:59 p.m.
  • November 2025 : Finalist interviews
  • December 2025 : Poet Laureate announced
  • January 2026 : Poet Laureate officiation and start of two-year term

“I have absolutely loved serving Mobile, Alabama as their first poet laureate,” said Charlotte Pence, “but my two-year term is coming to an end. Poets, apply now and let your voice shape Mobile’s cultural story!”

Recent Posts

By Angela Montgomery July 28, 2026
Congratulations to our July Organization Member of the Month Innovation Portal
Graphic for July Member of the Month Vanessa Quintana
By Angela Montgomery July 28, 2026
Congratulations to Vanessa Quintana, our Mobile Arts Council July Artist Member of the Month!
Graphic for June 2026
By Angela Montgomery June 30, 2026
The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is proud to announce two insightful community exhibits hanging in their gallery through June 27 with an opening reception during Artwalk on June 12. The Jubilee exhibition showcases Black artists and the richness of creative voices within our community during this Juneteenth celebration month. MAC is honored to have local Black artists share their stories through art in this special exhibit highlighting the cultural identity and diverse perspectives that shape the tapestry of our region’s creative community. Erica Wells is the sponsor of Jubilee . She is a dedicated community leader and advocate who is passionate about serving others and creating opportunities for growth and success. Through her professional work and volunteer efforts, she actively supports education, youth development, leadership initiatives, and community engagement throughout the Gulf Coast region. Erica is committed to empowering students, supporting educators, and building meaningful partnerships that strengthen communities. Her leadership is guided by a desire to make a lasting impact and to inspire others to serve with purpose, integrity, and compassion. As a part of Pride Month, the Proud & Free exhibition spotlights voices, experiences, and viewpoints of LGBTQ+ creatives in our community. This show provides a platform for queer artists to present their work, tell their stories, and connect with a broader audience through powerful artistic expression. The Proud & Free exhibit is sponsored by Dr. Kristin Rager, the Chief of Adolescent Medicine at the University of South Alabama, and Mobile’s only board-certified specialist in adolescent and young adult health. Dr. Rager serves as the Medical Director for AIDS Alabama South and is passionate about ending the HIV epidemic through education, treatment and prevention. Both exhibits can be enjoyed in the Mobile Arts Council Art Gallery, Room 1927 at 6 South Joachim Street in downtown Mobile. Gallery hours are 11 till 5 on Tuesday through Friday and 11 till 2 on Saturday. The opening reception for these exhibits will be held from 6 to 9pm on June 12 during Artwalk. Everyone is welcome and admission to the gallery is always free.
By Angela Montgomery June 30, 2026
Mobile Arts Council Annual Members' Show
June 23, 2026
Apply today to be a muralist in Mobile's inaugural mural festival, MobTown Mural Fest!
May 6, 2026
Apply now for the 2026 MAC Member’s Show! Submit artwork by June 1st for a chance to win awards. Join us for the ArtWalk reception!
photography workshop led by Richard Dollison for Mobile Arts Council members
May 5, 2026
Join our workshop to enhance your smartphone photography skills. Download Lightroom Mobile & Snapseed before attending!
May 2026 Exhibition Graphic Daniel Domenzain Kathleen Kirk Stoves
May 5, 2026
Explore Dan Domenzain's photography capturing authentic moments. Join us to celebrate community art and creativity!
Members' Mini MAC Gallery Cherrelle Jefferson Smith exhibition art show
April 28, 2026
Experience Cherrelle Jefferson Smith's untitled art at the Member’s Mini MAC Exhibition. Open 24/7 on Joachim Street, downtown Mobile.
April 22, 2026
Celebrate Ron Barrett LLC as April's Member of the Month! Learn about their floral artistry & support for the Mobile arts community.
Show More