The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, eMerge Literary Magazine, the Eureka Springs Arts Council, and the Eureka Springs Carnegie Library are pleased to announce the creation of the Eureka Springs Poet Laureate and invite nominations for the community’s first Poet Laureate.

Established to celebrate poetry, place, and community, the honorary literary position recognizes a poet whose work reflects the spirit and character of Eureka Springs. The selected Poet Laureate will serve a three-year term and receive a $500 stipend.

As an ambassador for Eureka Springs, poetry, and the literary arts, the Poet Laureate will help foster a vibrant literary culture throughout the community. Additional opportunities may include participating in civic, cultural, and literary events; encouraging local poets through public readings, workshops, and community poetry activities; supporting youth and community engagement with poetry; and helping preserve the legacy of the laureateship by providing copies of poems written during the term.

Community members are encouraged to nominate poets whose work demonstrates artistic excellence, a meaningful connection to Eureka Springs and Carroll County, and a commitment to engaging the public through poetry.

Nominations are now being accepted. Nominees must reside in Carroll County, Arkansas.

Nominations close September 30, 2026.

A nomination drop box is also available at the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library.

For additional information, contact coordinator@writerscolony.org or 479-253-7444.