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Poets sought for laureate position

Nominations are open for the City of Nanaimo’s first poet laureate

Nominations are open for the City of Nanaimo’s first poet laureate.

Serving a three-year term, the poet laureate will be a “people’s poet,” raising awareness of the positive impact literature and poetry can have on community life. It’s an honorary position, with up to $1,000 allocated annually for expenses.

The poet laureate will be selected by a five-member committee, made up of members of the city’s cultural committee, literary community and Vancouver Island University’s creative writing faculty, based on:

  • the excellence of the poet’s work demonstrated by peer and/or public recognition;

  • publication of at least one book of poetry and other publications that display literary excellence;

  • the poet must live and/or work in the City of Nanaimo and have made a significant contribution toward enriching the literary life of Nanaimo;

  • possession of a good knowledge and understanding of the history and cultural life of the city.

The committee will recommend a candidate to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission and city council for appointment.

The poet laureate is expected to serve as a literary ambassador, by participating in important city events and presenting works that are of special significance to Nanaimo. They would be expected to produce at least one original work per year of their three-year term.

Nomination deadline is Jan. 31, with selection made at the end of February. Self nominations are accepted.

Nomination forms are available online at www.nanaimo.ca. For more information, please call Bob Kuhn at 250-755-7512 or e-mail bob.kuhn@nanaimo.ca.