📣 The City of Salem is excited to announce the search for its inaugural Salem Poet Laureate! 🎤📚
A Poet Laureate is an appointed poet who is tasked with promoting poetry and encouraging appreciation of the literary arts within a specific community, region, or country. The role often involves composing poems for special occasions and events, participating in or organizing educational programs, public readings, and workshops, and serving as a cultural ambassador for poetry.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
This unique role is a prestigious opportunity for a talented poet to engage with the community and enrich our city’s cultural landscape.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Deliver readings of self-written poems at 3-5 city events per year.
- Conduct 3-5 public readings and workshops annually, including special sessions at Salem Public Schools and the Salem Public Library.
Term and Compensation:
- The Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term (2025-2026).
- A stipend of $1,500 will be awarded over the term.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be a resident of Salem, MA.
- Applicants should submit 10 copies of their previous work.
Meet the Selection Committee:
Our diverse committee includes educators, librarians, poets, and community leaders, all dedicated to selecting a poet who reflects Salem’s vibrant community spirit.
- Colin Perry: 8th grade English teacher and musician.
- Tara Mansfield: Director of the Salem Public Library.
- Jean Marie Procious: Executive Director of the Salem Athenaeum.
- M.P. Carver: Poet, visual artist, and director of the Massachusetts Poetry Festival.
- John Andrews: Founder of Creative Collective and local economic development and arts champion.
- January Gill O’Neil: Poet and associate professor at Salem State University.
- Kerry Rourke: English professor and trustee of the Salem Public Library.
- Regina Zaragoza: Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Salem.
How to Apply:
Submit your application to be the Salem Poet Laureate online by visiting Salem Poet Laureate Application.
For more information, please visit Salem Poet Laureate Program
