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Nanaimo invites applications for its next Poet Laureate

Special civic role activates poetry for the benefit of our community

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 4, 2021 11:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo invites applications for the position of Poet Laureate. Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate will be appointed by City Council for a two-year term and will serve as a literary ambassador for the City, charged with creating and presenting poetic works and engaging activities for the benefit of our community.

Past City of Nanaimo Poet Laureates include Naomi Beth Wakan (2013-2016), and Tina Biello (2017-2020). Youth Poet Laureate Valina Zanetti completed her term in February 2021. All three Poets made impactful and memorable contributions during their terms, bringing their unique voices to the role.

Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate will have a track record of engagement with the literary community and will bring their own artistic objectives, experiences and networks to this dynamic civic role. Over the course of their term, they will collaborate with City staff, and with other community partners, producing and sharing work with diverse audiences.

Poets are invited to review the complete guidelines including eligibility requirements and details on how to apply on the City’s website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/poetry.

The deadline to submit applications is April 30, 2021 by midnight.

Link to Strategic Plan: The Poet Laureate program aligns with the goals of the City of Nanaimo’s Strategic Plan and the Cultural Plan for a Creative Nanaimo by creating a vibrant culture of innovation, stewardship and partnership to encourage a diverse and healthy economy now and into the future; supporting arts and culture as an integral part of everyday life; and strengthening the creative sector by investing in organizations and people. who animate our cultural spaces.

Key Points

  • The City of Nanaimo invites applications for the position of Poet Laureate. Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate will be appointed by Council to serve a two-year term and will serve as a literary ambassador for the City, charged with creating and presenting poetic works and engaging activities for the benefit of our community.
  • Poets are invited to review the complete guidelines including eligibility requirements and detail on how to apply on the City’s website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/poetry, or attached to this news release.
  • The deadline to submit applications is April 30, 2021 by midnight.

Quotes

"The arts play an essential role in our community and since the Poet Laureate position was established, we have all been entertained, inspired, challenged and brought together in different ways through poetry. We look forward to how the next Poet Laureate will take up this role."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"In preparing this call to poets, we consulted with members of the literary community who are enthusiastic about the special role of the Poet Laureate and its potential. We’re looking forward to receiving applications from Nanaimo poets and learning about the dreams and directions they have in mind for activating this role, and we look forward to collaborating to help them realize projects."

Julie Bevan
Manager, Culture & Events
City of Nanaimo

Images

'Advice to the Poet' by Tina Biello (located outside of the Port Theatre)
'Advice to the Poet' by Tina Biello (located outside of the Port Theatre)
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Contact:

Culture & Events
Parks, Recreation & Culture
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4483

Print News Release

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