Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission Announces Open Application/Nomination Call for 2013–2014 Wisconsin Poet Laureate MADISON, WI—The Poet Laureate Commission of Wisconsin announces the opening of the application/nomination process for selection of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate for 2013–2014. Submissions are welcome from individual poets who are seeking the position. Application packages may also be submitted by a person who is nominating a poet for the position of Poet Laureate.
The deadline for application is 4:00 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012. Application materials are available by clicking this link or atwisconsinacademy.org/poetry/poet-laureate-application.
The Poet Laureate enriches the lives of Wisconsin citizens by sharing and encouraging poetry through statewide literary events or educational programs. Charged with contributing to the recognition, enjoyment and growth of poetry in this state, the Wisconsin Poet Laureate serves as a standard-bearer for Wisconsin’s poets and their work.
Poet Laureates demonstrate an admirable and proven level of skill in writing poetry, a history of having published individual poems and/or books, and excellence in promoting awareness or enjoyment of poetry in Wisconsin. A Poet Laureate must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Wisconsin for at least one year.
Wisconsin’s Poet Laureate serves a two-year term. Bruce Dethlefsen, a retired educator from Westfield, is Wisconsin’s fourth Poet Laureate and will complete his tenure at the end of 2012. Other Wisconsin Poet Laureates include Ellen Kort, Denise Sweet, and Marilyn Taylor.About the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission
In May of 2011 the Wisconsin Academy announced their stewardship of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate program to ensure the survival of the Commission and the Wisconsin Poet Laureate program after Governor Scott Walker eliminated state support for the program. Created by Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson on July 31, 2000, and continued by Governor Jim Doyle through 2010, the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission conducts the selection process, assigns responsibilites and provides support to the Poet Laureate. Charged with contributing to the growth of poetry in this state, the Wisconsin Poet Laureate arranges and/or attends at least eight statewide literary events each year as requested by the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission or the Wisconsin Academy. For more information about the Wisconsin Poet Laureate and Commission, visit < href=”http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=51841841&msgid=636093&act=GBGI&c=479042&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wisconsinacademy.org%2Fpoetlaureate“>wisconsinacademy.org/poetlaureate.# # #
Be sure to visit CWW’s website at www.wiswriters.ore for more information about and for Wisconsin writers.