Literary Programs

Quad City Arts' Literary Arts program presents regional, local and national authors for public readings, workshops and lectures. The program partners with area libraries, colleges, organizations, writers and educators to bring quality literary art programs to residents of our service area. Please read below to find out more above our Literary  Programs.

Poet Laureate
In 2001 the post of Quad City Arts' Poet Laureate was established, to expand poetry's audience in the area, and advocate reading and writing poetry in the community. Presiding
in the Office of Poet Laureate evolved as than simply wearing a title. Quad City Arts' Literary Committees felt that having someone serve in this capacity, who is an advocate of poetry in
the community, contributed largely to the recognition of poetry as an indispensable literary expression. An individual holding this position would be required to serve an honorary
two-year appointment and one public appearance in each of the counties in the six-county, bi-state region. Past Poets Laureate include: Dick Stahl 2001 - 2003, Rebecca Wee 2003 - 2005, & Kathleen Lawless-Cox 2005 - 2008.

Get Involved - 2010 Poetry Contests
The current Poet Laureate, Dale G. Haake 2008 -2010, is facilitating 3 diverse poetry contests. All writers, poets & professionals living within a 250 mile radius are invited to participate. Follow this link to download a brochure now!

Poet Laureate Nominations
Quad City Arts is now accepting applications for the 2010 - 2012 Poet Laureate. For details please download the links below:
Nomination Form

Super Author
The Super Author program is a long standing bi-annual event that has given untold numbers of Quad City residents the chance to interact with major authors of our times.  Super Author provides residencies in which the authors engage the community through readings, discussions on contemporary writing and issues, and panel discussions. Quad City Arts partners with area libraries colleges, and social service agencies to reach a large and diverse audience.

Literary Residencies
The Literary Residency program has brought local, regional and national authors to the area for stimulating public readings, workshops and lectures over the years.  Recently, author Neal Bowers visited the area for a three-day series of events, and Harper Lee biographer Charles Shields spoke at schools, bookstores and the Midwest Writing Center during our programs for The Big Read.  Past authors have included Max Allan Collins, Fern Schumer Chapman, and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins.