The mission of the Young People’s Laureate for London is to:

• Engage and inspire London’s young people with poetry

• Increase the visibility of poetry in the capital, nationally and internationally

• Support the development of London’s talented young poets

Each year a judging panel of poets and educators select a poet under 30 as the Young People’s Laureate for London. In April 2019 Theresa Lola was appointed the third Young People’s Laureate for London, following on from Caleb Femi and Momtaza Mehri.

During her tenure, Theresa will be engaging young people (aged 13-25) across London with poetry with residencies and commissions, as well as co-curating a masterclass for talented young poets.

The Young People's Laureate for London programme is funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity and Arts Council England.

Previous Laureates

The Young People's Laureate for London (formerly Young Poet Laureate) has been running since 2013. Previous Laureates are:
• 2018-19 Momtaza Mehri
• 2016-18 Caleb Femi
• 2015-16 Selina Nwulu
• 2014-15 Aisling Fahey
• 2013-14 Warsan Shire