Poet Laureate
Overview
The Poet Laureate program of the Santa Fe Arts Commission, established in 2005, strives to promote a meaningful poetic presence as part of the diverse cultural fabric of the city. This is an honorary position given to a person who has established a presence in the world of poetry, has demonstrated a commitment to and passion for poetry, and embraces the opportunity to engage in civic discourse.
Program Objectives
- Enhance the presence of literary arts in Santa Fe.
- Create a focal point for the expression of Santa Fe’s culture through the literary arts.
- Contribute to the continued growth of the individual Poet Laureate.
- Raise awareness of the power of poetry and the spoken word.
- Provide a forum for cross pollination of art forms.
- Celebrate the spirit of the people and the special qualities of our city.
- Create a unique program that will become a model for other cities.
- Create, over a period of time, a body of work that commemorates the life of our city.
2010 Call for Poet Laureate
Nomination Packet Requirements
The poet should be nominated by a community member. The packet must include:
- A nomination letter stating the poet’s special qualifications and why they should be considered. Nominator’s name, address, phone number and e-mail address should be included.
- Letter of interest from the poet, including contact information and a proposal and budget for an educational outreach project.
- The poet’s resume.
- Three to five poems by the poet. If the poet writes in a language other than English, the original poetry and an English translation should be submitted. Poems may be submitted on distinctive paper and/or printing method, but must be legible and have the ability to be photocopied without damage.
- Short (up to fifteen minutes) oral/video presentatioin recorded on DVD or CD.
The Arts Commission is not responsible for the contents of the packets and the materials will not be returned.
Mail or deliver to:
City of Santa Fe Arts Commission
Attn: Poet Laureate Nomination
125 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 100
P.O. Box 909
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0909
ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MONDAY, MAY 10, 2010. Please note this is not a postmark deadline.
Selection Process Calendar
May 10, 2010: Applications due
May 26, 2010: Finalists notified
June 3, 2010: Finalist interviews with selection committee
June 14, 2010: Arts Commission approval of committee's selection
June 15, 2010: Poet Laureate notified of selection
Please note these dates are subject to change.
Selection Criteria
Selection of the Poet Laureate will be based on the following points:
- quality of his/her poetry;
- language and oral facility;
- suitability of the work for civic celebration;
- recognition evidenced through publications, grants, fellowships, academic and/or non academic awards; and
- engagement in past projects that involve poetry and other experiences related to the tradition of poetry.
Eligibility
The Poet Laureate must be over 21 years of age and a resident of Santa Fe County for at least two years, or have been employed in Santa Fe County for at least two years, with a deep involvement in and commitment to the community. The Poet Laureate must be capable of fulfilling duties and public appearances according to his/her contract.
Description of Position
The Ceremonial Role of the Poet Laureate
As a public voice of our city, the Poet Laureate will make four appearances per year at City-sponsored events as determined by the Arts Commission. These might include:
- Mayor’s Arts Recognition Awards Dinner
- Mayoral Inauguration – City Councilors’ swearing-in
- Community Events
- Public Building or Public Art Dedications
The Poet Laureate is encouraged to present original poems appropriate to the occasion at these events, but if not possible, appropriate past work is acceptable.
The Education Role of the Poet Laureate
A special project proposed by the poet should:
- nourish the poet’s own personal growth and interests;
- involve an educational outreach initiative for the community; and
- reflect a schedule that is realistic for the poet.
Ideas for this project might include, but are not limited to:
- curating a series of poetry readings with a unique focus;
- giving public readings in unique venues;
- giving workshops on and at unique sites – nature trails, monuments, the Plaza, etc.; or
- working with ArtWorks, the Arts Commission’s arts education program.
Term of Service
The Poet Laureate will serve two years based on the city's calendar year from July 2010 to June 2012. At the end of each year, the Poet Laureate will provide the Arts Commission with a written summary of the year's activities.
Honorarium
The Poet Laureate will receive compensation of up to $2,000/year for public and ceremonial appearances and up to $3,000/year for educational projects, dependent on the complexity and time required to complete the projects.
Program Support
Poet Laureate Endowment
An endowment has been established at the Santa Fe Community Foundation to provide ongoing support for the Poet Laureate Program. If you are interested in making a donation to support the endowment for this program, visit the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Click "Give Now" in the lower left corner of the page. Enter your information and specify Santa Fe Literary Education Fund for "Other Fund".
Contributions can also be made directly to the Santa Fe Community Foundation by sending checks made payable to:
Santa Fe Poet Laureate Program
Santa Fe Community Foundation
P.O. Box 909
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0909
Or contact the Foundation at 505/ 988-9715 or through its website at: www.santafecf.org
The Arts Commission would like to thank The Lannan Foundation, The Palace Press, and generous individual donors for their support of the Poet Laureate Program.
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