The position of Birmingham Poet Laureate was created in the mid-1990s by Jonathan Davidson, the then Literature Development Officer for Birmingham Libraires, with the awardee "chosen from poets who live or practice in Birmingham by a panel of judges."
An honorary role, poets act as a "poetry ambassador", helping to raise the profile of poetry across Birmingham, penning poetry for special occasions, leading workshops, mentoring the newly appointed Young Poet Laureate, and "inspiring others to try their own hand at reading and writing poetry.
"[1] The next laureate is typically announced on National Poetry Day at the Birmingham Literature Festival.
The 2022-2024 Birmingham Poet Laureate is Jasmine Gardosi, a "writer and activist whose work has covered mental health and LGBTQ+ issues.
She is the first Bengali of Indian diaspora to win he Birmingham role.