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DEADLINE EXTENDED! Calling all poets! Apply to be Nanaimo's next Poet Laureate

Deadline for applications is Friday, January 17, 2020 (4:00 pm)

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed November 19, 2019 9:00 AM

Summary

DEADLINE EXTENDED! The City of Nanaimo is calling all poets to apply to be Nanaimo's next Poet Laureate (for a three-year term, February 2020 to January 2023). The purpose of a Poet Laureate is to serve as the "people’s poet” and to raise awareness of poetry, the literary arts and the positive impact literature and poetry can have on community life. At the end of the three-year term, each Poet Laureate is given the opportunity to have a poem cast in concrete and added to Nanaimo's Poetry Walk.

Candidates can be nominated by someone else or self-nominated. Selection criteria includes: demonstrated ability to engage and inspire the community; clear and innovative ideas regarding the vision for the position; and ease and skill at presenting/performing work to the public.

The terms of reference and application form is available online (www.nanaimo.ca/culture-environment/poetry/poet-laureate), attached to this news release, in person at the Service & Resource Centre (411 Dunsmuir Street), or by contacting us directly.

The extended deadline for application submission is Friday, January 17, 2020 (4:00 pm).

Link to Strategic Plan: The Poet Laureate programs ensure that Nanaimo has a strong and vibrant culture which evolves with a coordinated and collaborative effort leading to greater popularity as a place to visit, live, work and play furthering the goals of "Livability" in the City's Strategic Plan.

Key Points

  • The City of Nanaimo is calling all poets to apply to be Nanaimo's next Poet Laureate (for a three-year term, February 2020 to January 2023).
  • The purpose of a Poet Laureate is to serve as the "people’s poet” and to raise awareness of poetry, the literary arts and the positive impact literature and poetry can have on community life.
  • The City of Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate is provided a $1,300 honorarium and $200 of project funding each year.
  • DEADLINE EXTENDED! The deadline for application submission is Friday, January 17, 2020 (4:00 pm).

Quotes

"There are so many talented poets in Nanaimo, and finding poets who are dedicated to encouraging and inspiring those in our community is very important for the success of this position. We are very excited to see who will be Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate."

Chris Barfoot
Culture & Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo

"The role of a Poet Laureate is to reflect the life of our city through poetry. As an ambassador for the literary arts, the Laureate incorporates poetry into a range of official and informal city activities each celebrating, reflecting and provoking thought on our beautiful city."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Past recipients include inaugural Poet Laureate Ms. Naomi Beth Wakan (2013-2016), and present Poet Laureate Ms. Tina Biello (2017-2020).
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Contact:

Chris Barfoot
Culture & Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4483
Elizabeth Williams
A/Director, Recreation & Culture
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7512

Print News Release

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