Poetry

Madison Poet Laureate

The Madison Poet Laureate is an honorary position that nurtures poetry in Madison. We are one of the first cities in the nation to have a Poet Laureate. This reflects Madison's deep historical investment in the literary arts. The Poet Laureate runs the Poetry in Common Council, Bus Lines, and Youth Poet Laureate programs.

Mayor Paul Soglin honored the first Poet Laureate In 1977. In 2008, the Poet Laureate program was officially created via Common Council Resolution. The resolution additionally recognizes the importance that poetry and the Poet Laureate has on the City of Madison.

Steven Espada Dawson

Open larger image in modal - Late to The Search Party book cover

Steven Espada Dawson's most recent publication Late to The Search Party

Open larger image in modal - Steven Espada Dawson and former Madison Poet Laureate Angela Angela Trudell Vasquez

Steven Espada Dawson and former Madison Poet Laureate, Angela Trudell Vasquez, speaking at the 2024 Youth Poet Laureate reception.

Steven Espada Dawson reading at the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate celebration

Steven Espada Dawson and former Madison Youth Poet Laureate, Justin Festge-Russell

About Steven Espada Dawson

Steven Espada Dawson is from East Los Angeles. The son of a Mexican immigrant, he is a former Ruth Lilly Fellow and Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing Fellow. He was an editor for Copper Nickel and Sycamore Review. He has taught creative writing at universities, libraries, and prisons across the country. His poems are in many journals and anthologized in Best New Poets, Pushcart Prize, and Sarabande’s Another Last Call. Learn more about Steven on his website.

Past Poet Laureates

1977-2000: John Tuschen
2000-2007: Andrea Musher. Musher supported a resolution to recognize the role, which passed at the January 8, 2008 Common Council Meeting.
2008-2011: Fabu
2012-2015: Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman
2015-2020: Oscar Mireles
2020-2024: Angela Trudell Vasquez

Youth Poet Laureate Program

Poet Laureate Angela Trudell Vasquez started our Youth Poet Laureate Program in 2022. We are the first in Wisconsin to be part of the National Youth Poet Laureate program. The program honors young poets, providing them with opportunities to showcase their art. Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 19 at the time of selection and must live in the City of Madison. The YPL serves for one year, and gives three public readings with the Poet Laureate. Additionally, they have the opportunity to apply for the National Youth Poet Laureate role each fall.