Press Releases & Announcements

Adams County and Anythink Libraries Announce Search for Next Adams County Poet Laureate

Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts (POSCA), in collaboration with Anythink Libraries, has begun the search for the second Adams County Poet Laureate for a two-year residency. Building on the impactful work of the inaugural residency, this program provides a local, recognized poet an opportunity to advance their art, advocate for literature and poetry in our communities, and serve as a public face for Adams County.

The selected Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term and will receive a stipend to develop and execute this residency in locations across the county. The program will have three main components: community programming, creation of original works, and performances.

“Adams County is honored to once again work with Anythink Libraries and begin the search for the next Adams County Poet Laureate,” says Lynn Baca, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “Our inaugural Poet Laureate, Kerrie Joy, has made such an impact on our communities over the past two years. Kerrie has not only brought poetry to Adams County in a new way but has become a significant part of the history and future of the region.”

Aiming to make poetry accessible to all in our communities, the vision of the Adams County Poet Laureate Residency is to spark civic dialogue, amplify voices we do not often hear, break down barriers between our community and poetry as an art form, and continue to enrich the lives of Adams County residents.

The Inaugural Adams County Poet Laureate, Kerrie Joy, has spent nearly two years creating programming and connecting with the community through her work. Together with Anythink Libraries, she has led workshops, hosted poetry slams, and told powerful stories. Kerrie Joy’s residency ends August 31, 2025.

“Anythink has been honored and proud to provide an inclusive space for our customers to celebrate, experience and even experiment with poetry over the course of Kerrie Joy’s Adams County Poet Laureate residency,” says Anythink Executive Director Mark Fink. “We are excited to create new opportunities for our diverse communities to work with the next Poet Laureate in partnership with Adams County.”

Application Details:

Eligibility: The competitive selection process is open to eligible Colorado-based poets with a connection to Adams County – residence, roots, community, or workplace. Artists must have an established body of work including published/self-published works, reading/spoken word, performance experience, and community engagement experience. Bilingual poets are encouraged to apply. See official call for full list of eligibility requirements and more information about the selection process.

Submissions Open: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Residency Timeline: Jul. 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027

Link to Apply: artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14612