The official application period for the role of Upper Peninsula Poet Laureate opened on April 14, 2025. The position, coordinated by the nonprofit U.P. Poet Laureate Foundation, celebrates poetry and spoken word across the region and seeks to uplift community voices through readings, workshops, and outreach events.
Marty Achatz, president of the U.P. Poet Laureate Foundation and a former laureate himself, joined Kurt Hauswirth at Public Radio 90 to discuss the history and goals of the position.
"The role was created by Ron Riekki several laureate cycles ago, with Russ Thorburn as the first to serve," said Achatz. “Since then, poets like Andrea Scarpino, M. Bartley Seigel, and Beverly Matherne have carried on the tradition.”
The creation of the U.P. Poet Laureate Foundation formalized and streamlined the selection process, ensuring transparency and broader representation. “We wanted to create a structure that clearly supports both the selection process and the work that the laureate does throughout their two-year term,” Achatz said.
Check out Marty Achatz talking with WNMU-TV PBS about the U.P. Poet Laureate Foundation:
So what makes a strong candidate? According to Achatz, the selection committee is looking for more than literary accomplishment. “We want someone engaged—not only in their own work, but also in promoting poetry across the U.P. That means public readings, community projects, and a willingness to travel.”
Applicants must submit a biography, links to live readings or public appearances, and a detailed project proposal outlining what they plan to do during their term. Past laureates have created region-wide poetry readings and youth engagement initiatives, and even raised funds for local causes through their work.
“We also really want someone whose poetry reflects the spirit of the U.P.,” Achatz noted. “That could be through imagery, setting, or storytelling rooted in the landscape. You don’t need to be born here, but your work should reflect the values and rhythms of life in this place.”
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's conversation with Marty Achatz:
Looking ahead, Achatz hopes the program continues to grow and become self-sustaining. “We’re fundraising constantly to support travel and event costs. Ideally, we want to be able to provide strong backing for each laureate—whoever they may be—so they can do their work without limits.”
The current U.P. Poet Laureate is Beverly Matherne, whose term has included extensive travel and a haiku collection inspired by the region’s natural beauty.
To learn more about the application process or the foundation’s work, visit the U.P. Poet Laureate page.
