George Yatchisin is slated to be Santa Barbara’s next Poet Laureate, the Santa Barbara County of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Public Library, has announced.
His installation will coincide with a proclamation recognizing National Poetry Month at the City Council meeting, Tuesday, April 22, at Santa Barbara City Hall.
“A respected member of the local literary community, Yatchisin taught writing and held roles in marketing and communications at UC Santa Barbara for nearly 30 years,” the city said.
His poetry and essays have appeared in numerous publications, and he has authored two acclaimed poetry collections, “Feast Days” and “The First Night We Thought the World Would End.”
Yatchisin’s work has been anthologized in “I’ll Tell You Mine: Thirty Years of Nonfiction” from the Iowa Nonfiction Writing Program; “California Fire & Water: A Climate Anthology;” “Reel Verse: Poems About the Movies,” and “Clash by Night: An Anthology,” Inspired by The Clash’s “London Calling.”
“I plan to be everywhere poetry is and make sure poetry can flourish in places where it hasn’t — yet,” Yatchisin said, noting his inclusive vision for the role.
Yatchisin said he intends to visit all 21 schools within the Santa Barbara Unified School District to inspire young writers and readers.
He also aims to establish poetry pop-up events throughout the city to encourage spontaneous and diverse community participation, and to produce an anthology that celebrates the unique culinary and agricultural heritage of the region.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Poet Laureate program honors the pivotal role of local literary artists in enriching cultural and civic dialogue.
“I’m proud of our poet laureates,” said Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse. “With initiatives like this, we’re able to bring more community voices to the table and create new ways to engage with the city.”
The Santa Barbara Public Library serves as the home of the Poet Laureate, providing resources and hosting events that emphasize the value and accessibility of poetry in the community. The Office of Arts and Culture, a joint City-County agency, administers the program.
Yatchisin will succeed Melinda Palacio, who participated in more than 100 events during her two-year tenure. Past poet laureates also include Emma Trelles, Laure-Anne Bosselaar, Enid Osborn, Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, Chryss Yost, Paul Willis, David Starkey, Perie Longo, and Barry Spacks.
During his term, Yatchisin said he hopes to underscore the role of poetry in building social connections.
“My aim is to inspire and nurture all forms of creative expression, beginning with poetry. It has the unique power to cultivate empathy, deepen our connections with each other, and highlight our shared humanity,” he said. “My goal is to ensure that everyone feels empowered to engage creatively.”
For more about the Santa Barbara Public Library, visit SBPLibrary.org.
Learn more about the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture at sbac.ca.gov.