Poet Laureate Jean Flanagan


“Poetry is not a mystery, nor should it be restricted to the halls of academia. It is open to all of us in our everyday lives to read, write, and to be inspired.” – Jean P. Flanagan

The Poet Laureate Committee selected Jean P. Flanagan as the fourth Poet Laureate of Arlington. She was appointed by the Select Board on January 23, 2023. Flanagan is one of the founders of the Arlington Center for the Arts – a linchpin of our cultural community and a physical manifestation of the ways our lives are inextricably bound.
The Poet Laureate is a 3-year town appointed position funded by the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture (ACAC).
Visit Jean Flanagan’s first poetry project as Poet Laureate, “Small Acts of Kindness” here!

Upcoming Events

REGISTER FOR POETRY WORKSHOPS AT THE ACA
Among the treasure trove of great arts programming for all ages available in the Fall session at Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) are 4 poetry workshops organized by Poet Laureate Jean Flanagan. Registration begins July 5 for all current ACA members and to the general public on July 12.
WOMEN IN A ROOM: An Ekphrastic Poetry Writing Workshop
With Poet Cathie Desjardins
9/21 Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Learning to Notice the World: Using the Five Senses
With Poet Tom Daley
10/12 Thursday, 6 – 9pm
Poetry of Crisis: Can Poets Speak?
With Poet Susan Donnelly
10/26 Thursday, 1 – 4pm
Food and Identity: Memoirs from Around our Tables
With Poet Jordana Weiner
4 Fridays, 11/3 – 12/8, 6 – 7:30pm
(No Class: 11/10 & 11/24)
POETRY OPEN-MIC
With Beehive Poetry and Arlington’s Poet Laureate
Do you enjoy poetry? Whether you are a seasoned reader or first-time performer, or just want to support local poets and the arts, come join us for two poetry open mic nights at the Roasted Granola Café July 28 and August 25.
Doors will open at 6:30pm with signups for reading slots by 6:45. The first 20 poets to sign up will each have five minutes to read their work aloud in front of a live, supportive audience.
These events are hosted by Roasted Granola and organized by ArtLinks Arlington.

Poetry Projects on Arts Arlington