Award-winning local author and illustrator Kate Leake will take up the role in January 2026 following a rigorous application and judging process. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Council hopes that the role, which was created as part of the city's Centenary celebrations, will continue as a lasting legacy, championing creativity and innovation across all areas of life in the city. 

A new Poet Laureate has also been appointed, Steven Beattie, as well as the city's first Young Poet Laureate, Cameron Hart.

Kate Leake, the city's new Creativity Laureate, said: "I can't describe how excited and honoured I feel to be offered the new role of Stoke-on-Trent Creativity Laureate. 

"I look forward to exploring the exciting ways we can celebrate the power of our imaginations and inspire a love of creativity in the city." 

Kate Leake is the first Creativity Laureate while Steven Beattie has been appointed Poet Laureate and Cameron Hart has been appointed Young Poet Laureate (image via Stoke-on-Trent City Council)

The competition, which was launched in March, was supported by Stoke-on-Trent Libraries. 

The judging panel included: 

• Nick Degg, Stoke-on-Trent's Centenary Poet Laureate 
• Lois Bateman, Hub Manager for The National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent 
• Gabriella Gay, local author, poet, storyteller and director 
• Stephen Seabridge, inaugural Stoke-on-Trent Poet Laureate 
• Brian Bilston, internationally acclaimed, prize-winning poet who found social-media fame as 'the unofficial poet of Twitter'

The Creativity Laureate will team up with communities, schools and businesses across the city, working closely with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries to celebrate creative talent and encourage people to engage with the 2026 National Year of Reading. 

The council hopes that the new Creativity Laureate will inspire people to explore their own creativity and highlight the innovative thinking that has shaped the city's past and continues to drive its future. 

 Cllr Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "From our world-famous ceramics heritage to the entrepreneurs, makers and innovators working across the city today, creativity is at the heart of who we are.  

"Our first Creativity Laureate will champion that creative spirit and inspire people of all ages to think creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead."