The WHAM Art Center announced that applications are now open for the 2025-2026 West Valley Youth Poet Laureate competition.

This prestigious program celebrates young poets and their contributions to the arts, fostering creative expression and leadership among youth in the West Valley.

“This marks our third-year honoring youth poetry in the West Valley,” said Maggie Gautier, WHAM’s literary arts manager. “We are thrilled to partner with Danielle Edgerton, the curriculum specialist for the Dysart School District. Her involvement will help spread the word to students in the Dysart Schools, and we are honored to have her as one of our judges.”

The West Valley Youth Poet Laureate will have the opportunity to collaborate with various city arts and culture commissions, including Surprise, Peoria, Buckeye, Glendale, Avondale and Goodyear. In addition, local high school districts will be engaged in this initiative, providing greater exposure for young poets.

The program is designed for youth who are passionate about writing and leadership. Participants will refine their writing skills through public speaking and recitation opportunities while gaining valuable leadership experience through civic engagement.

The selected laureate will be invited to speak at special events and work closely with WHAM to promote poetry and artistic expression throughout the community.

Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 17.

Residency in one of the following West Valley cities is required: Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Gila Bend, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg or Youngtown.

A complete application must include contact information, a short essay response and a creative writing sample consisting of three to five poems.

Every applicant will have the opportunity for their work to be published in a chapbook and an anthology with other poems submitted by the poets who attend the monthly Open Mic Night, held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the third Friday of each month.

Interested youth can access the application by visiting wham-art.org/wvypl. The deadline for submissions is midnight on April 13.

The performance and award ceremony will take place at WHAM Art Center, 16560 N Dysart Road, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2.

For any questions or concerns regarding the West Valley Youth Poet Laureate application, contact Gautier at Maggie.gautier@wham-art.org.