A sophomore from University High School has made history in the Spokane area, becoming the first-ever youth poet laureate for the city after a competitive selection process that drew more than 30 applicants. Hope Austin was chosen for the honor by Spokane Arts and began her two-year term in 2026, with an inaugural public reading at the Kendall Yards Night Market marking the official launch.
While Spokane sits just across the Idaho border from North Idaho and Bonner County, the region’s arts community regularly draws participation from residents throughout the Panhandle — including Sandpoint, Ponderay, and surrounding communities. Events at Kendall Yards and regional youth arts programs often serve young North Idaho residents who cross the state line for cultural opportunities.
The Idea Behind the Position
The youth poet laureate role came directly from an idea put forward by Spokane’s current adult poet laureate, Mery Smith. Smith brought the concept to Spokane Arts at the outset of her own tenure, and the organization moved quickly to make it happen. “I talked to Spokane Arts about it, like pretty much Day 1, and then they’re like, ‘Okay, let’s do it,'” Smith said publicly.
Smith then partnered with Spokane Arts program director Devonté Pearson to develop the selection process. The two assembled a community board to evaluate applicants, ultimately narrowing the field from more than 30 candidates to Austin, who stood out for the clarity of her voice on the page and her active involvement in the poetry community.
Austin’s Path to Poetry
Austin’s connection to the literary arts is relatively recent but meaningful. As a freshman, she joined the debate club at University High School, where she encountered an original spoken word poetry event through Washington’s debate program. That experience served as a gateway into a form she has since made her own.
Before settling into poetry, Austin had also explored theater, though she did not continue with it long-term. Her writing now centers on personal experience — drawing from relationships with family and friends to shape work that resonates with both peer audiences and adult judges. That grounded, lived-in quality was clearly a factor in her selection.
During her term, Austin will work alongside Smith beginning this summer through a program at Spark Central, a youth poet cohort that provides young writers with workshops and performance opportunities. Students who take the stage through the program receive $15 vouchers to the Kendall Yards Night Market — a small but meaningful incentive designed to keep young people engaged in both the arts and their local community.
Austin expressed genuine enthusiasm about what lies ahead, particularly the chance to work with younger students. “I’m really excited to work with a bunch of little kids who probably have wilder ideas than I do,” she said.
Youth Arts Recognition Gaining Momentum Regionally
The creation of a dedicated youth poet laureate position reflects a broader regional trend of communities investing in young artists and recognizing their contributions formally. Youth arts programming in the Inland Northwest has been steadily expanding, with organizations on both sides of the Idaho-Washington border working to connect students with performing and literary outlets.
For North Idaho communities like Sandpoint, similar recognition of young creative voices has been a growing priority. Sandpoint’s annual ArtWalk recently returned with more than 100 artists featured across 25 downtown venues, continuing a tradition that celebrates both established and emerging talent throughout Bonner County and the surrounding region. Youth participation in events like ArtWalk and similar community programs mirrors the spirit behind Spokane’s new laureate position — the idea that recognizing young artists early helps build a more vibrant cultural community long-term.
As Austin steps into a role that did not exist before her, she carries both a personal creative journey and a community responsibility. Over the next two years, her work through Spark Central and alongside Smith will shape what the position looks like for every young poet laureate who follows her.