Poet Laureate

In 2020, the City of Richmond launched the Poet Laureate Program as a way to highlight gifted artists and use the literary arts to provide support during an unprecedented time. In 2021, Douglas Powell (Roscoe Burnems) was named the City’s Inaugural Poet Laureate–receiving an $8,000 stipend to advance poetry. During Roscoe’s tenure, he worked creatively around the COVID-19 pandemic to extend poetry’s reach to Richmond residents through media and zoom discussions, workshops, and in-person events. He also worked collaboratively with visual artists, students, and musicians to expand opportunities for Richmond residents interested in exploring poetry as a literary artform. 

In April 2024, Joanna Lee was named the City of Richmond’s second Poet Laureate. With the announcement of the new Poet Laureate, the city further affirmed its commitment to supporting the arts—an integral part of our community’s rich fabric. Joanna will serve from April 2024-April 2026 and will receive an annual $4,000 stipend from the City of Richmond to advance poetry.

During her tenure, Joanna will work to advance poetry as a literary artform across the city by engaging with residents already interested in poetry and serving as a literary arts liaison to communities less familiar with the medium.

Applications for the Poet Laureate Program will be available in fall 2025.

City of Richmond Poet Laureates:

April 2024-Present: Joanna Lee

-April 2024: Douglas Powell (Roscoe Burnems)