Salt Lake City has named Joel Long its first Poet Laureate, a three-year post running through June 2029. A longtime Utah poet, teacher, and organizer with more than 40 years in the state's literary community, Long has taught at Rowland Hall since 2004, published seven books (most recently Watershed, 2026), and led the City Art Reading Series for two decades. In the role, he'll write annual civic poems, give readings in all seven council districts, develop public programs, and create a signature project that ties poetry to community life, all aimed at making poetry more accessible and reflecting the city's diverse voices.
Salt Lake City names Joel Long as the City’s first Poet Laureate
The Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office are pleased to announce the appointment of Joel Long as Salt Lake City’s inaugural Poet Laureate. Selected through a competitive review conducted by a committee of literary professionals, educators, and community representatives, Long will serve a three-year term through June 2029.
“Joel has spent decades uplifting Salt Lake City’s literary community, and now he’ll help us write the first chapter of something entirely new,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “As our first Poet Laureate, he’ll help bring poetry beyond the page and into the everyday life of our city, while creating a strong foundation for this program for years to come.”
Long is an award-winning poet, educator, editor, and literary organizer whose career spans more than 40 years within Utah’s literary community. He has balanced his own creative practice with extensive work supporting writers through teaching, mentorship, and literary program leadership.
Long has taught English and Creative Writing at Rowland Hall since 2004. He is the author of seven books, including five poetry collections: Watershed (2026), Lessons in Disappearance (2012), Knowing Time By Light (2010), Winged Insects (1999), and Chopin’s Preludes (2005). His work has earned multiple recognitions, including the White Pine Press Poetry Prize and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Award for Literary Arts (2009). From 2002 to 2023, Joel served as President of the City Art Reading Series, organizing nearly 600 readings featuring local and nationally recognized writers.
“Salt Lake City has a tremendous wealth of poets to celebrate, talented poets from many communities, with diverse voices and experiences,” Long said. “I look forward to sharing that literary and living wealth with those who love poetry and those who haven’t yet discovered that they love poetry, too.”
The Poet Laureate Program reflects Salt Lake City’s commitment to arts, culture, and public engagement. The program is a new civic tradition that will bring poetry into public life and expand access to literary experiences across the city. The program is designed to reflect the diversity of lived experiences found across Salt Lake City and to strengthen community connection through creativity and shared reflection.
As Poet Laureate, Long will contribute annual civic poems, participate in City and community events, offer public readings across Salt Lake City’s seven council districts, develop public programming, and serve as a cultural ambassador. He will also develop a signature project that connects poetry with community life. In addition to these core responsibilities, the role includes activities that support City priorities and broaden public engagement with poetry.
