Rosemarie Dombrowski: Phoenix’s Trailblazing Poet Laureate and Literary Innovator
Rosemarie Dombrowski is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Phoenix, Arizona, and a dynamic force in the city’s literary landscape. As a writer, editor, educator, and activist, she has transformed the way Arizona poetry is shared and celebrated. Her innovative contributions have helped shape Phoenix’s cultural scene, making her an essential voice in AZ poetry.
A Pioneer in Arizona Poetry
Rosemarie Dombrowski has been at the forefront of Arizona’s creative community for years. As the founding editor of Write On, Downtown: A Journal of Phoenix Writing and rinky dink press—a publisher specializing in micropoetry in microzine form—she has provided vital platforms for emerging and established poets. With her visionary approach, she has not only championed new voices in Arizona poetry but also curated a space where experimental and traditional forms of poetry can flourish.
Revolutionary Literary Projects
Ever the innovator, Dombrowski launched The Revolution (Relaunch), a bold and revisionary resurgence of the weekly women’s rights newspaper originally founded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony in 1868. This project blends historical insight with modern feminist activism, underscoring her commitment to social justice and creative expression. Through her work, Dombrowski challenges the status quo, using the power of poetry and print to advocate for equality and cultural change.
Acclaimed Achievements and Honors
Rosemarie’s contributions to literature have not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of five Pushcart Prize nominations and was honored with a Whiting Fellowship nomination in 2019. In addition, she has received the 2017 Arts Hero Award, the Carrie McCray Literary Award in Nonfiction, and a fellowship from the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics—all in 2017. In April 2019, she was named a finalist for the Whitman Bicentennial Poetry Contest, sponsored by Brooklyn Poets. These accolades reflect her far-reaching influence and unwavering dedication to the craft of poetry.
Literary Works That Resonate
Dombrowski’s published works are a testament to her creative range and depth. The Book of Emergencies (Five Oaks Press, 2014) explores the fragility of human existence, while The Philosophy of Unclean Things (Finishing Line Press, 2017) delves into the intersections of personal and collective histories. Her chapbook, The Cleavage Planes of Southwest Minerals [A Love Story], won the 2017 Split Rock Review chapbook competition, further solidifying her reputation as a profound and innovative poet.
Educator and Mentor
In addition to her groundbreaking writing and editorial work, Rosemarie Dombrowski is a respected educator in Arizona’s literary community. She teaches courses on Women’s Literature, Medical Humanities, Creative Ethnography, and Journal Curation/Editing at Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Her teaching extends beyond the university, as she is actively involved with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Changing Hands Bookstore, where she nurtures aspiring writers and engages a broad audience in the transformative power of poetry.
A Lasting Influence on Arizona Culture
Rosemarie Dombrowski’s work is characterized by its depth, insight, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. As Phoenix’s Poet Laureate, she continues to inspire and influence both emerging and established writers. Through her innovative literary projects, dedicated teaching, and active role in Arizona’s arts community, Dombrowski has made significant contributions to the cultural fabric of the region.
Her legacy in Arizona poetry is not just about the words she writes, but also about the communities she builds and the voices she elevates.
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