Poet Laureate

About the Position

The City of Medford Poet Laureate, acting as the official City poet, will highlight poets, poetry, and literature, particularly working with community members who may traditionally have less access to poetry. Working with the City Administration and the Medford Arts Council, the Poet Laureate will strive to increase access to senior citizens, youth, and non-English speakers across various platforms. The Medford Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term and will receive a $2,000 stipend each year.

Our Current Poet Laureate

Vijaya Sundaram

Vijaya is a long time Medford resident and has collaborated with the inaugural Poet Laureate Terry Carter several times. Originally from India, she married Warren Senders, and moved to the US in late 1988, settling in Massachusetts in early 1989. Vijaya was previously a public-school teacher in Winchester and is now an Assistant Professor at Bunker Hill Community College. 

Sundaram’s term began on July 1, 2023 and runs until June 30, 2025.