Find Posts By Topic

Seattle is searching for the next Civic Poet

2017 Civic Poet call opens February 27, 2017


Photo by Marcus R. Donner © 2015

SEATTLE (Feb. 27, 2017) — Mayor Ed Murray announced today that the city is searching for the next Civic Poet. The Civic Poet program celebrates Seattle’s rich literary community, while investing the future of literary arts through community engagement. The call for the 2017 Civic Poet opens Monday, February 27 and will close Monday, April 24, 2017 at 11 p.m. The Civic Poet program is administered by the city’s Office of Arts & Culture.

“Seattle is one of the most well-read cities in the country. From libraries to book stores, from universities to literary organizations, Seattle is passionate about language,” says Randy Engstrom, director, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. “The Civic Poet program celebrates our history and commitment to the written and spoken word, and the people who have given it such a place of honor in our city.”

The two-year Civic Poet post serves as a cultural ambassador for Seattle’s rich, multi-hued literary landscape and represents Seattle’s diverse cultural community. In addition to five annual performances, the Civic Poet will also complete hands-on work with communities to engage constituents city-wide.

Seattle’s Civic Poet will serve a term of two years, from July 2017 to July 2019, and will receive a $10,000 stipend distributed over the two-year term. Applicants must be Seattle-based and eligible to work in the U.S. and have a demonstrated interest in civic engagement and the power of the written and spoken word.

“The position of Civic Poet is an extraordinary opportunity to promote the power and beauty of poetry as a change agent in our lives, to invite others to write poems that give voice and empower, to collaborate with a myriad organizations, and contribute to Seattle’s rich literary landscape,” says Civic Poet Claudia Castro Luna.

A selection panel composed of writing and literary professionals and community representatives will review materials from all applicants. Those who are selected as finalists will be invited a panel interview for final selection.

http://www.seattle.gov/arts/civic-poet

#          #          #