The Stratford Poet Laureate program celebrates poetry and our local poets year-round through events, contests, and more!
Call for Submissions: Seeking Stratford's Next Youth Poet Laureate
Your words matter. Your voice belongs here.
Destination Stratford and Stratford Public Library are seeking Stratford's next Youth Poet Laureate for the 2027-2028 term.
If you are passionate about poetry, spoken word, storytelling, or creative expression, this is an opportunity to share your perspective, connect with others, and inspire your community.
The Youth Poet Laureate celebrates an emerging poet (ages 14-24) whose writing reflects the experiences, ideas, and themes that matter to youth in Stratford and the surrounding area. Serving as an ambassador for poetry, language, and the arts, the Youth Poet Laureate amplifies youth voices, sparks conversation, and helps foster a deeper appreciation for the power of words.
Throughout the one-year term, the Youth Poet Laureate will be invited to share their work at community events, represent the perspectives of local youth, and encourage others to explore poetry and creative expression. This is an opportunity to grow as a writer, share your unique voice, and help shape Stratford's cultural story through the power of poetry.
This is also an opportunity to build your resume for university applications and employment, and the chosen applicant will receive an honorarium for their work.
Nomination & Application Process
All candidates must complete the Poet Laureate Program Submission Form. Paper forms are available upon request.
Submit Application by November 30, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the Youth Poet Laureate position must:
- Be nominated or submit a self-nomination.
- Meet the age requirements outlined for the position.
- Have a meaningful connection to Stratford and area.
- Be a poet, spoken word artist, or storyteller with an established or emerging body of work.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in poetry, storytelling, and the literary or performing arts.
- Be able to serve as an ambassador for literacy, poetry and the arts.
The Stratford Poet Laureate Program
This program aims to celebrate and elevate the literary arts through written and spoken word.
The Poet Laureate program collects, saves, and shares unique stories from Stratford and the surrounding area. These stories reflect our community's character, both now and for years to come.
Stratford's Poet Laureates writes poetry about the area, composes poems for special events, participates in public performances, works with local poets and writers, and acts as a literary ambassador for the city and the region. The work of the Poet Laureates culminates with the creation of a legacy project which is a unique and lasting contribution to the community.
This inaugural Stratford Poet Laureate program is a three-year pilot project (January 2025 to December 2027) by Destination Stratford and Stratford Public Library, and is formally recognized by City of Stratford Council via the Community Services department.
| David Stones, Poet Laureate 2025-2028David Stones is a multi-award winning, multi-Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and performer with 500+ poems in print throughout Canada and internationally, and a growing roster of stage shows featuring his poetry, lyrics and musical adaptations of his work. He is a proud member of League of Canadian Poets, The Canadian Poets Society, New Generation Beat Poets Scene Canada, and Poetry Stratford. Sign out his published works here. |
| Arlo Dunnem, Youth Poet Laureate 2026-2027Arlo J. Dunnem is a 16 year old, born and raised in Stratford. In 2026, Arlo won the Gold Key for the Region-at- Large Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition and his poem is up for the National Award in the Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition. Arlo is extremely involved in the community and has taken great initiative with founding and captaining school clubs, such as Model United Nations, Ancient History Club, and Romance Languages Club. He is Students Council Vice-President, on the Legal Team, and a member of the Debate Club. Arlo plays on the Varsity Tennis Team and outside school enjoys golf, sailing, polo, and snowboarding. |
| Quinn Mayer, Youth Poet Laureate 2025-2026Arlo J. Dunnem is served as Stratford's inaugural Youth Poet Laureate, using poetry, storytelilng, and music to inspire young people to share their stories through written and spoken word. During their tenure, Quinn helped sharp the program's foundation while serving as a literary ambassador for youth across Stratford and surrounding area. |
Press & Publications
- Youth poet laureate hopes to use program to inspire young writers | March 31, Beacon Herald
- Stones ready to shine a light as city's new poet laureate | February 24, Stratford Today
- City's first-ever Poet Laureate, Youth Poet Laureate announced | February 20, Stratford Today
- Essays of Light: Poems by David Stones
- Sfumato: New and Selected Poems by David Stones
- Infinite Sequels by David Stones
Contact Us
For more information contact poetry@splibrary.ca