The Stratford Poet Laureate Program aims to celebrate and elevate the literary arts through written and spoken word.
The program will collect, save, and share unique stories from Stratford and the surrounding area. These stories reflect our community’s character, both now and for years to come.
The poet laureate writes poetry about the area, composes poems for special events, participates in public performances, works with local poets and writers, and acts as a literary ambassador for the city and the region. The work of the poet laureate culminates with the creation of a legacy project which is a unique and lasting contribution to the community.
This initial Stratford Poet Laureate program is a three-year pilot project (January 2025 to December 2027) by Destination Stratford and Stratford Public Library, and is formally recognized by City of Stratford Council via the Community Services department.
Poet Laureate
David Stones, 2025-2028
Stratford’s Poet Laureate is a resident poet, storyteller or spoken word artist over the age of 25 who has achieved excellence amongst their peers and whose body of work demonstrates connection with and relevance to residents of the municipality. As an advocate for poetry, language and the arts, the Poet Laureate attends events across the municipality to promote and attract people to the literary world, and as an ambassador for Stratford and its residents.
Youth Poet Laureate
Quinn Mayer, 2025-2026
The Youth Poet Laureate is a resident poet, storyteller or spoken word artist between the ages of 14-24 who has an interest in bringing their work to a wider audience. The role of the Youth Poet Laureate is to serve as a literary ambassador for youth in Stratford and area. Through their tenure in this position, the Youth poet Laureate will seek to inspire and engage local youth to share their stories through written and spoken word.
A message about the position from the inaugural Stratford Youth Poet Laureate Quinn Mayer:
I am so honoured to have been Stratford’s first-ever Youth Poet Laureate. I am so thankful to have been involved in such a wonderful program, and to help shape it for my successors going forward. As Youth Poet Laureate, I’ve had chances to share my love for the literary arts (and music!) through performances and workshops. And I could not be more thankful for the mentorship and support of David Stones, Stratford’s inaugural Poet Laureate. I have learned so much over the past year… about poetry, about myself, and about the Stratford community. It’s been a pleasure to serve as Youth Poet Laureate, and I’m so excited to see where this program goes in the future.
Every Voice Poetry Contest: 2025/26 – RESILIENCE
The Every Voice Poetry Contest is a new initiative launched by Stratford’s Poet Laureate, in partnership with Destination Stratford and the Stratford Public Library. This contest is designed to give every poetic voice in Perth County the chance to be heard. While the 2025/26 contest is a pilot project, we hope it will become an annual event with a new theme each year, culminating in a published anthology and an award ceremony each April, in celebration of National Poetry Month.
The contest has two categories: Youth (ages 8-18) and Adult (19+), encouraging poets of all ages and backgrounds from Perth County to participate. Poetry offers a unique platform for self-expression and creativity, and we invite everyone to share their authentic voice.
The Editorial Panel:
- David Stones: Multi-award-winning poet, Stratford Poet Laureate
- Quinn Mayer: Poet and performer, Stratford Youth Poet Laureate
- Heidi Sander: Multi-award-winning poet, founder of Pathways to Poetry Multimedia Course
- Mark Hertzberger: Award-winning poet, Coordinator of Poetry Stratford
Theme: Resilience
Resilience is the ability to withstand and recover from challenges. What does it mean to you? How can you express our community’s strength to overcome social and economic difficulties? Share your personal experiences and perspectives through poetry. Be creative, metaphorical, and memorable. Let your imagination soar—poetry knows no bounds!
Contest Rules and Submission Requirements
- Open to Perth County residents only.
- Poets of all identities and backgrounds, especially from underrepresented communities, are encouraged to participate.
- Free entry. Submit up to two poems, each up to two pages long. Any poetic form or content is welcome.
- Entries must be submitted via an Entry Information Form (with full contact details and category selection). Poems must be submitted as a separate Word or equivalent document in Arial or Times New Roman 12 pt font.
- All entries will be judged anonymously—do not include identifying information on the poem itself.
- Previously published poems and simultaneous submissions are accepted, as long as the poet holds the copyright.
- Submissions were accepted until October 31, 2025.
Prizes
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $250
- 3rd Place: $100
- Plus up to 10 Judge’s Choice Awards in each category, and numerous Honourable Mentions.
- All winning poems will be included in a published anthology, to be released in April 2026.
- Honourable Mentions will be notified in January, and the final winners will be announced at an awards event in April 2026.
Questions? Contact David Stones at dmstones@rogers.com