Call for Clark County Poet Laureate 2024-2026

Important details michele.hanlon@clarkcountyartscommission.com

APPLICATION HERE - https://www.clarkcountyartscommission.com/event-details/poet-laureate-application-ccac

• Application deadline is Friday, December 8, 2023
• 2-year appointment beginning May 1, 2024
• A volunteer position with grant/stipend options available
• Applicant must be a Clark County resident, over 18 years of age, and a practicing, published poet
• Applicant must have a commitment to community outreach and collaboration; interest in promoting equity and inclusion through the arts
• The appointed Poet Laureate will have the flexibility to shape a scope of work that reflects their interests, skills, and abilities

Clark COunty Poet Laureate 2024-2026 Position Description

Eligibility Requirements

Open to poets residing in Clark County who have:

• an established body of work including published work from an established press; published poems in literary journals/anthologies
• A history of presenting their work in public such as readings or spoken word performances
• interest/experience in promoting equity and inclusion through the arts
• Commitment to community outreach and collaboration in Clark County

Position Description

• For the two year term, must be willing and able to plan and participate in events including (but not limited to) poetry readings, classes, workshops, and public speaking
• Create a project as Poet Laureate to benefit the poetry community and engage the citizens of Clark County

Position Details

The position of Clark County Poet Laureate is a volunteer position, with the possibility of an honorarium.

The Clark County Poet Laureate is an ambassador for poetry throughout Clark County, Washington. The poet laureate has the important role of promoting poetry as an art form, expanding access to the literary arts, and encouraging poetry as a voice that contributes to the region. The poet laureate is a person who believes in the power of language and ideas to effect real change in individuals as well as their families, towns, and cities.

The poet laureate must be a resident of Clark County and a member of the literary community. The ideal candidate is well informed about poetry and the literary arts. The poet laureate will honor Washington State as well as national poet laureate goals of diversity, equity and inclusion. They will express a strong commitment to engage new voices and perspectives while bringing poetry to culturally diverse audiences throughout the county. They will enjoy interacting with the public, including people of all ages, races, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, education levels, genders, and sexual orientations.

The poet laureate must have a working knowledge of contemporary poetry.

They must have at least five years of experience as a practicing poet who has contributed to the poetry community through activities such as hosting or attending readings, teaching, leading writers groups or workshops, or publishing. They must be available to plan and participate in events including (but not limited to) poetry readings classes, workshops, and public speaking in community venues including schools, libraries and community organizations. They will have the ability to work virtually and through on-line platforms if necessary.

The poet laureate is expected to develop a project that they will put into action during their term, that benefits the poetry community and engages the residents of Clark County. They will have the opportunity to work with the Washington State Poet Laureate. The poet laureate will be asked to give periodic reports to the Clark County Arts Commission.

This is a volunteer position and there is no financial remuneration or reimbursement for travel or other expenses. This position does not include an office, office support, supplies, or equipment. Community arts organizations have historically offered support with grant writing and public relations. A small stipend or honorarium may become available.michele.hanlon@clarkcountyartscommission.com