Poet Laureate of New York State

Poet Laureate of New York State
Post	Poet Laureate of New York State
Body	New York
Incumbent	Willie Perdomo
Incumbentsince	2023
Department	New York State Council on the Arts
Appointer	Governor of New York
Termlength	Two years
Formation	1985
First	Robert Creeley

Poet Laureate of New York State is an honorary position recognizing a distinguished poet residing in New York. Appointed by the Governor of New York, the laureate serves a two-year term to promote poetry and the literary arts across the state. The position was established in 1985 through legislation championed by figures like Joseph P. Bruno and is administered in conjunction with the New York State Council on the Arts. Laureates engage in public readings, educational outreach, and act as an ambassador for the state's rich poetic heritage, which includes historic figures like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.

History and establishment

The position was formally created by an act of the New York State Legislature in 1985, with the bill signed into law by then-Governor Mario Cuomo. Its establishment was significantly advocated for by State Senator Joseph P. Bruno, who sought to create an official state poet. The creation followed a longer tradition of honoring poets within the state, including the earlier, unofficial designation of a "State Poet" in the 1960s. The laureateship was designed to celebrate New York's profound literary legacy, home to movements like the Harlem Renaissance and institutions such as the Poetry Society of America. Its formation mirrored a national trend of states creating similar positions, following the precedent of the national Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.

Appointment and term

The Poet Laureate is appointed by the Governor of New York, typically based on recommendations from the literary community and the New York State Council on the Arts. The term lasts for two years, and there are no explicit constitutional limits on reappointment, though successive terms have been uncommon. The selection process emphasizes a poet's professional achievements, their connection to New York, and their potential to engage diverse communities across the state, from Buffalo to Long Island. The position is honorary and carries a modest stipend intended to support the laureate's outreach activities, rather than being a salaried office.

List of Poets Laureate

The inaugural Poet Laureate was Robert Creeley, appointed in 1989. His successors have included notable figures such as Richard Howard, Jane Cooper, and Billy Collins, who later served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Jean Valentine and Marie Howe have also held the title, contributing to its prestige. The most recent appointee is Willie Perdomo, named by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023. The list reflects a diverse range of poetic styles and backgrounds, representing the state's major cultural centers like New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Upstate New York.

Duties and public role

The primary duty is to promote poetry throughout New York by giving public readings, leading workshops, and participating in educational programs in settings like SUNY campuses, public schools, and libraries. Laureates often undertake specific projects or initiatives; for example, Billy Collins launched a program for poetry in public places. They act as a cultural ambassador, highlighting the state's literary history, which includes landmarks like the Walt Whitman House and events like the Dodge Poetry Festival. The role involves collaboration with institutions such as the New York Public Library and the Academy of American Poets to broaden the audience for poetry.

Notable works and impact

Laureates have often produced significant work during or inspired by their tenure. Robert Creeley's later collections, such as Life & Death, were informed by his New York experiences. Billy Collins's best-selling volumes like The Art of Drowning reached a wide national audience during his term. Marie Howe's acclaimed collection What the Living Do is deeply connected to New York City. Their impact extends beyond publication, as laureates have initiated lasting programs, increased visibility for fellow poets, and inspired community projects across the state, from the Adirondack Mountains to the Bronx.

Relationship to other laureateships

The state laureate exists within a broader ecosystem of poetic honors. It is distinct from the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a national position, and from the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Within New York, it complements municipal positions like the Poet Laureate of New York City and local honors in places like Suffolk County. It also relates to major literary awards like the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, many recipients of which, such as Richard Howard, have been state laureates. This network underscores New York's central role in American poetry.

Category:Poets Laureate of New York State Category:New York (state) culture Category:American poetry awards and honors