A bucolic county in upstate New York appointed a poet laureate. Why was she fired shortly after?
Esther Cohen was appointed poet laureate of Greene County, New York, but was dismissed just weeks later, sparking debate over the role and value of public arts positions. Some critics view her removal as indicative of broader challenges facing the arts in public institutions. The county has not provided a detailed public explanation for the decision, fueling speculation and concern among local artists and advocates.
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Esther Cohen at home in Cornwallville, New York on 9 April. Photograph: Roy Gumpel/The Overlook NewsView image in fullscreenEsther Cohen at home in Cornwallville, New York on 9 April. Photograph: Roy Gumpel/The Overlook NewsNew YorkA bucolic county in upstate New York appointed a poet laureate. Why was she fired shortly after?Esther Cohen was removed as Greene county’s poet laureate just weeks after the appointment. It’s ‘emblematic of the assault on the arts writ large’, some sayRaina LipsitzFri 1 May 2026 06.00 EDTShare@font-face{font-family:Guardian Headline Full;src:url(https://assets.guim.co.uk/static/frontend/fonts/guardian-headline/full-not-hinted/GHGuardianHeadline-Light.woff2)…
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