The Piedmont Laureate Program, co-sponsored by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Durham Arts Council, Orange County Arts Commission, United Arts of Raleigh and Wake County, Johnston County Arts Council and the Alamance County Arts Council, has as its primary goal "to promote awareness and heighten appreciation for excellence in the literary arts throughout the Piedmont region."
The Piedmont Laureate is appointed for one year. Each year the program is open to writers creating work in a particular selected literary genre (poetry, novels, plays, etc.). The Laureate's activities include readings, workshops and other public appearances.