Call for 2017–2018 Wisconsin Poet Laureate Opens on August 15
MADISON—The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, in partnership with the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, is seeking applications for the new 2017–2018 Poet Laureate of Wisconsin.
Beginning August 15, 2016, applications are welcome from individual poets who are seeking the position. Applications may also be submitted by a person who is nominating a poet for the position of Wisconsin Poet Laureate. A complete application package must be sent to the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission at wipoetlaureate@gmail.com no later than October 14, 2016, for consideration. Application instructions are available on the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission website.
The Wisconsin Poet Laureate is the state’s leading poetic voice and an ambassador for poetry, encouraging the reading and writing of poetry across the state. The Poet Laureate engages a variety of Wisconsin constituencies, enriching the lives of residents by sharing and promoting poetry through conversation, readings, public appearances, workshops and digital and social media.
The Poet Laureate’s term of service is two years. The next term begins on January 1, 2017 and ends on December 31, 2018. The Poet Laureate is awarded a $2,500 stipend per year. Poets Laureate often see sales of their published works increase, and can also earn significant stipends for appearances.
The current Wisconsin Poet Laureate is Kimberly Blaeser. During her term, Blaeser has connected with thousands of Wisconsinites through public appearances and media events. As Wisconsin Poet Laureate, Blaeser also spearheaded a Poetry Recitation Project that features videos submitted by poetry fans—of all ages, from across the state—reciting a favorite poem. After review by the Poet Laureate Commission, videos are posted as “pins” to a map of Wisconsin. More information on the Poetry Recitation Project can be found here.
William Stobb, Chair of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, says that “Blaeser has been a great ambassador for the value of poetry and creativity. She works so well with audiences of all ages, and people really respond to her work.” He adds, “We’re very proud of the success of our state laureate program, and of Kim’s work as our torch-bearer.”
The Poet Laureate is expected to contribute to the growth of poetry across Wisconsin, plan and attend statewide literary events and educational programs, visit each region of the state at least once during the two-year term, promote poetry and the Poet Laureate position via electronic social media, and participate in selecting the succeeding Poet Laureate and guide the transition into the role.
The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission embraces the diversity of human experience and identity. All applications are welcome, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, cultural heritage, socio-economic background, or physical ability.
About the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission
In May of 2011 the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters announced their stewardship of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate program, created by Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson in Executive Order 404 on July 31, 2000. The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission has as its purpose to conduct the Wisconsin Poet Laureate selection process, assign responsibilities to the selected Poet Laureate, and assist that individual in performing official duties. Members of the Commission include representatives from the Wisconsin Center for the Book, the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, the Wisconsin Arts Board, and the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, as well as several at-large members.
For more information, visit wisconsinpoetlaureate.org.