Poet Laureate, Author, Curator and Arts Scholar Will Lead Community Workshops, Youth Programs and Poetry in Public Spaces

CATHEDRAL CITY – The City of Cathedral City on Friday announce the appointment of Clare Chu as its first Poet Laureate, marking a historic moment in the city’s continued investment in arts, culture, and creative community engagement.

This honorary and voluntary position recognizes Chu’s exceptional literary voice, her decades of experience as an arts scholar, and her vibrant contributions to the cultural life of Cathedral City and the broader region.

About Clare Chu
Clare Chu brings an extraordinary depth of experience to her new role. Raised in Malta and England, she later made Southern California her home, establishing herself as a respected figure in both the literary and visual arts worlds. She is an accomplished art curator, dealer, lecturer, and writer who has authored twelve books and numerous academic articles on Asian art. Her expertise in Chinese snuff bottles spans over forty years, during which she has served as a gallery owner, exhibition curator, auction consultant, and lecturer. She was a director and secretary of the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society for many years and has served as editor of its journal. She currently serves as a director of Snuff Bottle Collectors of California.

Chu has curated major exhibitions, including at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum, and has lectured internationally at leading museums, universities, and professional societies. Her poetry, deeply enriched by her global background and art scholarship, has appeared in several literary publications. She is the author of The Sand Dune Teacher (2020) and Objects Heavy in This Life (2022), and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021.

Within Cathedral City, Chu is a familiar figure in the arts community. As a vital participant in the Perez Art District, she has been instrumental in local arts engagement and has performed her poetry at community events, including the recent Conversations with the Land art walk.

New Poetry Programs
As Poet Laureate, Chu will lead new programs designed to inspire creativity and invite the community to connect through poetry:

  • Community Poetry Workshops: Free workshops for residents of all ages and backgrounds, designed to celebrate storytelling, personal reflection, and collective expression.
  • Poetry in Public Spaces: A public art initiative placing poetry throughout the city — parks, bus shelters, civic buildings, and walkable districts — embedding creativity into everyday life.
  • Youth Poetry Project: Collaboration with local schools to spark student interest in writing, including classroom visits, student poetry showcases, and mentorship opportunities.
  • Cathedral City Poetry Anthology: An annual publication highlighting local voices and perspectives, curated by the Poet Laureate.
    • Seasonal Poetry Readings & Cultural Events: Public performances tied to city celebrations, cultural
    festivals, and community gatherings.

“Clare’s experience, heart for community, and artistic breadth bring immense value to Cathedral City,” said Assistant City Manager Anne Ambrose. “Her work will strengthen our cultural identity and ensure poetry is accessible and engaging for all residents.”

Chu will begin her two-year tenure immediately, with her first public appearance as Poet Laureate at the City’s 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, Oct. 25.