The City of Orlando Is Seeking the Second Poet Laureate
Last updated on April 26, 2021
The City of Orlando Is Seeking the Second Poet Laureate
April 26, 2021 - ORLANDO, FL - The City of Orlando, through a partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, is seeking to appoint the City’s second Poet Laureate. The purpose of the position is to promote poetry and an appreciation of poetry among residents, and to inspire the next generation of poets, literary artists and readers of literature.
The Poet Laureate is a ceremonial appointment, and the selected poet will serve as a prominent fixture in the City’s cultural, literary and visual arts communities, presenting original works of poetry at City events, community gatherings and youth activities. The selected poet will be introduced in October 2021 during National Arts and Humanities Month.
“Orlando is a young, vibrant, inclusive City with many important stories to tell, and the Poet Laureate will continue to serve as our official storyteller. The arts and poetry are important parts of our cultural fabric in Orlando. Our poet laureate creates and expands our literary engagement with our residents and our community,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
“Susan Lilley, whom I appointed as Orlando’s first Poet Laureate in 2017, has served with distinction and established a literary foundation for our new Poet Laureate,” said Mayor Dyer. “We are grateful for Susan’s trail blazing service.”
Mayor Dyer has appointed a Poet Laureate Search Committee — a diverse group of poets, scholars and arts leaders — to assist in the selection process. The Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, will convene and facilitate the committee’s process.
The Search Committee will review all eligible applications based on artistic merit of literary work samples, experience and background. Each nominee must show evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, including substantial publications, and significant recognition or awards.
The nominee must also be a resident of Central Florida, at least 21 years of age, not currently enrolled in a full time academic program, and willing to conduct the public engagement duties of the Poet Laureate.
For more information, full requirements, a listing of the Poet Laureate Search Committee members and the program guidelines, visit www.UnitedArts.cc/Poet-Laureate/.