Press Releases & Announcements

Adams County and Anythink Libraries Announce Aerik Francis as Second Adams County Poet Laureate

Adams County and Anythink Libraries are proud to announce Aerik Francis as the second Adams County Poet Laureate. This joint initiative celebrates the role of poetry in building community, fostering creativity, and amplifying diverse voices across the county. Francis’ two-year residency will connect communities through poetry and host events at locations across Adams County and Anythink Library locations, inviting the public to learn the craft of writing and performing poetry.

To mark this occasion, community members are invited to a reception honoring Poet Laureate Aerik Francis on Thursday, Nov. 6, 5–6:30 p.m., at the Adams County Government Center, 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Brighton. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Francis and be one of the first to see them perform in this role. The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments and appetizers will be provided. Those interested can RSVP here.

Francis is a celebrated poet, teaching artist, and literary organizer who brings a deep appreciation for language and poetry and a strong commitment to community engagement. They have published multiple chapbooks and spoken word albums and have received poetry fellowships with SAFTA, the Chrysallis Institute, CantoMundo, and The Watering Hole.

In addition to being an accomplished author, Francis is deeply connected to Colorado’s literary arts community. They have led youth programming at Lighthouse Writers Workshop, served as event coordinator for local poetry collective Slam Nuba, and hosted events all around Colorado including open mics at RedLine Contemporary Art Center, UNTITLED at the Denver Art Museum, and others.

In their role of Adams County Poet Laureate, Francis will serve as an idea ambassador for the county, enriching their own art practice and the community at large. Their programming will begin in early 2026 and will be rooted in “Conversations,” curating intentional spaces for community members to come together for discussion and dialogue.

“Poetry is more than words on a page—it’s alchemy; it’s a catalyst for action. It’s a way of making meanings, building bridges, offering permissions, expressing identities, and celebrating the human experience.” said Francis. “I’m honored to bring poetry to the forefront in Adams County and look forward to connecting with the community through this art form.”

The Adams County Poet Laureate program is a collaboration between Adams County and Anythink Libraries, designed to promote and advocate for literary arts throughout the region.

“Adams County is proud to support the arts and elevate voices that reflect the richness and diversity of our community,” said Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners. “Aerik Francis embodies the spirit of this program, and we look forward to the inspiration they’ll bring to residents of all ages.”

“The poet laureate program reflects Adams County’s and Anythink’s shared belief in the power of the arts to spark imagination and dialogue,” said Mark Fink, Executive Director of Anythink Libraries. “Aerik Francis brings both artistry and vision to this role, and we are excited to see how their creativity will amplify diverse voices and enrich the cultural fabric of our region.”

The competitive selection process for choosing the second Adams County Poet Laureate included a call for entry open to eligible Colorado-based poets with a connection to Adams County. Artists were required to have an established body of work including published/self-published works, reading/spoken word, and performance experience, as well as community project planning experience at the time of their application. Applications were reviewed by a Jury Selection Committee comprised of members of the Adams County Arts & Culture Commission; community members; and representatives from Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts Department and Anythink Libraries.

To learn more about the Adams County Poet Laureate, subscribe to the Adams County Cultural Arts newsletter, Artfully Adams.