The Calgary Poet Laureate is an artistic ambassador, presenting at civic events, and producing literary works that reflect our city and its citizens.
Calgary Poet Laureate Program
Shone Thistle
Photo: TJ Bonnick
An ambassador of the arts to the citizens of Calgary, the Calgary Poet Laureate produces literary work that is reflective of Calgary’s landscape, cityscape and civic identity and that may raise awareness of local issues.
Shone Thistle was formally announced as the 2024 to 2026 Calgary Poet Laureate in Council Chambers at Calgary City Hall on April 30, 2024, to mark the end of National Poetry Month. Thistle is an author, poet and multidisciplinary artist. Their work ranges from radio to jazz ensemble, festival to conference keynote, inner-city cabaret to gallery by the sea.
Established on July 26, 2011, the Calgary Poet Laureate position is a testament to our city’s commitment to the arts, supported by dedicated Calgary Poet Laureate Ambassadors, the Calgary Foundation and the Calgary Public Library.
Learn more about the nomination process here.
Poet Laureates
Shone Thistle
Shone Thistle is an author, poet and multidisciplinary artist. Their work ranges from radio to jazz ensemble, festival to conference keynote, inner city cabaret to…Read more
Wakefield Brewster
Wakefield Brewster is a professional poet and spoken word artist who was raised in Toronto…Read more
Natalie Meisner
Natalie Meisner is a multi-genre award-winning writer who grew up on the South Shore of…Read more
Sheri-D Wilson
Sheri-D Wilson is the award-winning author of 11 books, the creator of four short films,…Read more
About the Calgary Poet Laureate
On July 26, 2011, City Council approved a motion to establish a Calgary Poet Laureate position, funded by a group of Calgary Poet Laureate Ambassadors. Current Ambassadors are the Calgary Foundation and the Calgary Public Library.
Calgary Arts Development administers the program in conjunction with a volunteer selection committee, which appoints each Calgary Poet Laureate for a two-year term. The Calgary Poet Laureate is intended to be an artistic ambassador for Calgary, presenting at civic events, and producing literary work that reflects our city and its citizens. All the Calgary Poet Laureates are listed here.
Kris Demeanor served as the first Calgary Poet Laureate from 2012 to 2014 followed by derek beaulieu from 2014 to 2016, Micheline Maylor from 2016 to 2018, Sheri-D Wilson from 2018 to 2020, Natalie Meisner from 2020 to 2022, and Wakefield Brewster from 2022 to 2024.
For more information, contact Kaley Beisiegel at kaley.beisiegel@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or 403.264.5330.
Calgary Poet Laureate Ambassadors
