City names award-winning local author and illustrator as first ever Creativity Laureate

Stoke-on-Trent has appointed its first ever Creativity Laureate following a competition launched earlier this year.

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

The competition – 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;and Brian Bilston, internationally acclaimed, prize-winning poet who found social-media fame as 'the unofficial poet of Twitter'.

The role was created as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations and will continue as a lasting legacy, championing creativity and innovation across all areas of life in Stoke-on-Trent.

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

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.”

Councillor 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.”