Staff Report
Public Arts Commission
Item No. 2.B
Meeting Date: July 14, 2026
From: Anne V. Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
Sponsors: None
Title: Consider Appointment of a Poet Laureate for the City of Cathedral City
RECOMMENDATION:
To review a proposal provided by Clare Chu to create a Poet Laureate position for Cathedral City.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 12, 2026 Public Arts Commission meeting, Clare Chu addressed the Commission during public comment to propose the creation of a poet laureate position for Cathedral City and volunteered her time to lead this effort. Ms. Chu’s professional background includes a career as an art curator, dealer, lecturer and author of fifteen books on Asian art. As a poet, she has published three collections, including a forthcoming full-length book. She serves as an editor of The Comstock Review, was a 2021 Pushcart Prize nominee, and became PoetIn-Residence at Jim Budman Studio in 2026. Locally, Ms. Chu is Co-President of The Perez Art District and co-owner of Blasto Boy Guitars, located in the district where she has organized poetry readings and workshops in the community space located in the guitar store.
On July 2, 2026, Chair Liebelt and commission liaison Ambrose met with Ms. Chu to further explore her ideas.
DISCUSSION:
Ms. Chu’s proposal for a poet laureate position is attached. She proposes serving as Cathedral City's first poet laureate by promoting poetry as an accessible and engaging component of the City's arts and cultural programming. The proposal aligns with Cathedral City's ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and fostering community engagement through creative expression.
If appointed, the applicant would serve as a literary ambassador for the City by developing partnerships with local schools, the Cathedral City Library, the Senior Center, youth organizations, assisted-living communities, businesses, and arts organizations to present poetry readings, workshops, and other literary programming.
The proposal places a strong emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary programming.
Building on prior experience organizing literary events that incorporate visual arts and other creative disciplines, Ms. Chu intends to continue developing partnerships with local artists, cultural organizations, and businesses to create community-centered arts experiences that showcase Cathedral City's creative talent.
As a signature initiative, the applicant proposes the creation of Voices of Cathedral City, a community literary project that would invite residents of all ages and backgrounds to contribute original poems and creative writing inspired by their experiences living in Cathedral City. Over the proposed two-year term, the project would create a community literary archive reflecting the City's history, diversity, neighborhoods, and shared experiences while encouraging broad public participation in the literary arts. Further development of costs for such an event would need to be developed at a later time if the idea is supported by the commission.
The applicant's vision for the Poet Laureate Program is to expand opportunities for residents to engage with poetry through education, public programming, and community partnerships while celebrating Cathedral City's diverse voices and cultural identity. The proposed activities are intended to enhance the City's existing arts initiatives, encourage civic participation through the literary arts, and further establish Cathedral City as a community that values creativity, cultural expression, and lifelong learning.
FUNDING SOURCE:
No budget allocation is being proposed at this time.
ATTACHMENT
1. Proposal- Voices of Cathedral City