Non-profit theatre and arts organisation Poetry in Action has announced the launch of its inaugural Ambassador Program, offering professional development, public profile support, and financial assistance to mid-career poets.
The initiative marks 20 years of Poetry in Action’s work as a touring educational theatre company, dedicated to inspiring young people through live performance and creative expression.
Beginning in 2026, Poetry in Action will appoint three National Ambassadors. Each Ambassador will receive a $1,500 honorarium, along with travel support, professional development opportunities, and publicity for their creative work.
Applications close 13th February 2026, with the three Ambassadors to be announced at an event at NSW Parliament House in March 2026.
The program seeks poets, educators, and youth advocates who demonstrate leadership, artistic merit, and a strong commitment to empowering young people through literacy, creativity, and community engagement.
Founded in 2006, Poetry in Action has presented its dynamic poetry-based performances to schools across Australia and internationally, grounded in the belief that a love of poetry and literature enhances literacy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
Ambassadors will share Poetry in Action’s work through their networks, represent the organisation at public events, participate in media opportunities, and help select the winner of the annual Poetry in Action Student Poetry Competition.
Ambassadors will be selected by an esteemed panel of industry leaders, including:
- Miles Merrill, internationally recognised poet and founder of Australian Poetry Slam • Cindy Valdez, education leader and CEO/Founder of Teach To Learn
- Hazem Shammas, television actor and co-founder of Poetry in Action
- Louka Parry, globally recognised education futurist and CEO/Founder of The Learning Future
- Professor Emerita Robyn Ewing AM, University of Sydney, member of the Order of Australia for contributions to education and the arts
“I’ve selected this panel because, together, they represent the full spectrum of what Poetry in Action stands for — artistic brilliance, educational impact, and social reach,” said Bryce Youngman, CEO and Artistic Director of Poetry in Action.
To apply, visit this link: https://poetryinaction.com.au/
