Nature Poet Laureate applications

What we are looking for 

The programme will support an early career writer to tell their stories and share their vision for the future with audiences locally, nationally and internationally. The Laureate will promote thought, discussion and works centering on our relationship with nature. It will also strengthen and establish new partnerships with community organisations in Nottingham. To read more about the poet laureate opportunity visit our main page.

We are looking for an early career writer under the age of 35 that lives, earns or learns in Nottinghamshire to tell their stories and share their vision for the future with audiences locally, nationally and internationally. 

The role will require a certain set of skills, outside of poetry talent, in order to maximise the potential of the project, including: 

• Experience of public speaking; 
• Experience of and passion for engaging and facilitating poetry in community settings;
• An awareness of the issues affecting young people in Nottingham and globally; 
• A wide knowledge of poetry and the poetry landscape.

We have created an information pack which explores in detail the rationale and ambition for this programme.

We are looking for somebody who can commit at least 1 day per month to this opportunity. However there are likely to be more opportunities outside of this that can be negotiated. 

Applications will open on the 28th March 2025 and close on the 28th April 2025 at 12 noon. 

Outputs 

As laureate we will support you to deliver the following outputs: 

• Research and consultation with key stakeholders 
• Publication of five new writing commissions 
• Six workshops reaching up to 120 young people from Nottingham 
• A special showcase event at part of our 10th anniversary celebrations in October
• Edit an anthology of personal and community submissions from the laureate tenure

We will also be exploring a myriad of opportunities with community businesses and stakeholders. We will work alongside the successful laureate to decide which opportunities are the most exciting and relevant for their interests. 

Development

Our programme will also provide the Laureate with training and mentoring related to their professional and creative development:

• Mentoring with Georgina Wilding, Nottingham’s first Young Poet Laureate 
• Training and creative development bursary including a creative writing residency
• Critical and creative feedback with an internationally recognised writer 

You will work with the Projects Coordinator at Nottingham City of Literature to set goals and have monthly check-ins to review your progress and troubleshoot.

Stipend

The Nature Poet Laureate will receive a monthly stipend of £350 for a period of 18 months, with the expectation to commit at least 1 day per month to the programme and their creative practice.

Expression of interest 

To apply to be Nottingham’s Nature Poet Laureate please complete an expression of interest. The form includes all the information you need to complete it, including guidance on word count and formats. 

You should use the expression of interest to: 

1. Demonstrate the skills you have that will enable you to deliver the outputs
2. Your personality and passion for creative writing and the natural environment
3. Your vision for what you want to achieve during your tenure as nature laureate. 

You will need to collate the following items for your expression of interest to be included:

• 4 pieces of creative writing, 1 on the theme of nature 
• 1 video performance
• Completed application form

Laureate application information

Decision process

Young poets (aged under 35) can apply through an open call application process. The applications will be judged by a panel reflective of contemporary poetry.  

A shortlist will be invited to interview and share their poetry in a performance event.

FAQs