Austin has named its first-ever poet laureate, selecting renowned poet and theater artist Zell Miller III for the role.
Miller will serve a two-year term from April 2025 to April 2027, promoting poetry, literacy, and literary arts throughout the city. He will also work closely with the Austin Public Library to organize public readings, workshops, and other poetry-related initiatives.
The Austin Poet Laureate Program was established last year and is overseen by the Austin Public Library. With this appointment, Austin joins other major U.S. cities in recognizing poetry as a vital part of its cultural and literary landscape.
Miller is known for his work exploring identity, culture, and the human experience. His poetry and performances are deeply influenced by personal experiences as well as social and political themes. He has gained national and international recognition, opening for notable artists such as Nikki Giovanni and the Last Poets.
His contributions to the arts community in Austin have been widely recognized. In 2004, he was voted Best Poet/Writer by the Austin Chronicle, and in 2017, he was inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame.
Miller’s unique performance style is inspired by the jazz aesthetic, blending rhythm, movement, and emotion. According to a city media release, his work “draws viewers into the intimate spaces he creates with words and movement.”
Beyond his artistic career, Miller takes great pride in his family. He often says his greatest creations are his children, Zell IV and Marley, and his relationship with his partner, Ashley Miller.
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