Are you a Wisconsin poet with a desire to be
the state ambassador for poetry? The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, in partnership with the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, is seeking applications for the new 2015–2016 Wisconsin Poet Laureate.
Beginning August 18, 2014, 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 10, 2014. Application instructions and additional information are available at www.wisconsinacademy.org/newpl.
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, 2015 and ends on December 31, 2016. The Poet Laureate is awarded a $2,000 stipend per year, which honors the poet’s achievements and helps to defray travel expenses not reimbursed by individual organizations where the Poet Laureate is a guest. The current Wisconsin Poet Laureate is Max Garland.
The Poet Laureate is expected to contribute to the growth of poetry throughout the state; plan and/or attend statewide literary events and educational programs, including a special project to be supported by the Wisconsin Arts Board; 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; participate in selecting the succeeding Poet Laureate and guide the transition into the role.
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