Civic Poet Jourdan Imani Keith at the 2019 Mayor's Arts Awards recipients on Thursday, August 29 with Mayor Jenny Durkan and Seattle Arts Commissioners, at Seattle Center. 2019 recipients: Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) Dani Tirrell Delbert Richardson Intiman Theatre Marcie Sillman Pre-event reception at Chihuly Garden and Glass and ceremony at the Charlotte Martin Theatre at Seattle Center. Post ceremony performance by Northwest Tap Connection. The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture's Mayor's Arts Awards celebrates the people and organizations that broaden our horizons and humanize our city and our world. Photo by Marcus R. Donner © 2019

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), in partnership with the Seattle City of Literature, commissions and supports an experienced poet with a two-year City residency to serve as a literary ambassador for the City of Seattle. In addition to annual City events, the Civic Poet will foster community dialogue and engagement between the City, the public, and other artists, while celebrating the literary arts.   

Eligibility and Funding

This call is open to Seattle-based poets who have an established body of work including published/self-published works, reading/spoken word plus project planning experience, and applied racial equity practice. Applicants must:   

• Be based in Seattle (residence in the City of Seattle),   
• Be eligible to work in the U.S.   
• Have demonstrated interest/experience in promoting equity and inclusion through the arts, and   
• Show strong program planning and implementation with partnerships.  

The compensation for the two-year Civic Poet commission is $15,000. Funding covers a two-year period. It covers time for writing, administration, other artist fees, performances, event costs, materials, travel, fees, taxes, and other project-related costs. 

Deadline

Wednesday, July 13, 2022; 5 p.m. Pacific Time  

Application

• Guidelines
• Online Application (Submittable)

Contact

Please direct any questions about the program to Irene Gómez, Project Manager at irene.gomez@seattle.gov or (206) 684-7310. 

The Civic Poet program is made possible by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) in partnership with the Seattle City of Literature. For questions about this program, please contact Irene Gómez, Project Manager at irene.gomez@seattle.gov, (206) 684-7310.