Matt Mason
Nebraska State Poet 2019 – 2024
Matt Mason served as the 2019-2024 Nebraska State Poet.
The first poet to hold the position of Nebraska State Poet was William Kloefkorn, who served for 29 years, until his death in May 2011. Twyla M. Hansen was named Nebraska State Poet 2013-1018, and Matt Mason served 2019-2024.
Nebraska Poetry Pen Pal Program
As part of a fellowship from the Academy of American Poets with help from Humanities, Nebraska, Matt Mason launched the Nebraska Poetry Pen Pal Program.
The tour traveled to various parts of Nebraska, bringing along other poets from Omaha and Lincoln to spur discussions through poetry in schools, libraries, correctional facilities, etc, which were intended to carry on beyond just the days’ events.
The goal of the project was to start conversations between poets from different parts of the state and different backgrounds, with the touring poets reading their work and encouraging students and audience members to write poems in response and sending them in through teachers at their schools.
Teachers, librarians and other community leaders can bring the Nebraska Poetry Pen Pal Program to their communities by contacting Matt Mason directly.
Matt Mason Installation Ceremony (excerpt)
with an introduction by Twyla M. Hansen (State Poet 2013-2018) and Matt's acceptance speech
"Now That You've Named Me State Poet of Nebraska, Let the Reign of Terror Commence"
written and performed by Matt Mason
Previous State Poets
- Twyla M. Hansen, Nebraska State Poet 2013 – 2018
- William Kloefkorn, Nebraska State Poet 1982-2011
- John G. Neihardt, State Poet Laureate of Nebraska in Perpetuity
The Nebraska State Poet is made possible through partnership with:
The Governor of the State of Nebraska
and:
