Do you have what it takes to be L.A.’s next Poet Laureate?
Los Angeles is in search of its next master poet to lead the Poet Laureate Program and bring greater literary vibrancy to the city.
The Poet Laureate Program, which is managed as a partnership between the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles Public Library, was established in August 2012. The City of Los Angeles Poet Laureate is selected through an open-call process. Just as the National Poet Laureate works from within the Library of Congress, the L.A. Poet Laureate will work within the Los Angeles Public Library to serve as an official ambassador of the city’s vibrant creative scene, promoting L.A.’s rich literary community and celebrating the written word.
To learn more about the program, eligibility, the selection process and how to apply, visit the LAPL website:
DEADLINE:
Friday, December 16 by 11:59PM
SUBMISSION:
All application materials must be submitted electronically through Slide Room: www.culturela.slideroom.com/#/login
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about the application process contact the DCA Grants Office at dca.grants@lacity.org or call (213) 202-5566.
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The City seeks to name one Poet Laureate to serve as an official ambassador of LA’s vibrant creative scene, promoting the City’s rich literary community and celebrating the written word.
The objectives of the Poetry LA and Poet Laureate Opportunities are to:
✭ Enhance the presence and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts in Los Angeles;
✭ Create a focal point for the expression of Los Angeles culture through the literary arts;
✭ Raise awareness of the power of literature, poetry, and the spoken word;
✭ Inspire an emerging generation of critical thinkers, writers, storytellers, and literary artists;
✭ Bring the literary arts to people in Los Angeles who have limited access to poetry or have few opportunities for exposure to expressive writing;
✭ Encourage both the reading and writing of literature; and
✭ Create a new body of literary works that commemorate the diversity and vibrancy of the LA region.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is pleased to announce the continuation of the City of Los Angeles Poet Laureate Program, which is managed as a partnership between the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). Just as the National Poet Laureate works from within the Library of Congress, the City of Los Angeles Poet Laureate will work within the Los Angeles Public Library.
The Poet Laureate Program was established in August of 2012. Luis J. Rodriguez has served one two-year term as LA’s Poet Laureate between September 2014 and October 2016. His poetry book, My Nature is Hunger, won the 2005 Paterson Book Award. His 1993 memoir Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A., with close to half a million copies sold, became one of L.A.’s most checked out in libraries—and one of the most stolen. He has a dozen other books in poetry, children’s literature, fiction, and nonfiction. He is also founding editor of the small press, Tia Chucha Press, now in its 25th year, and co-founder of Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural and Bookstore in the San Fernando Valley. His latest book is It Calls You Back: An Odyssey Through Love, Addiction, Revolutions, and Healing, a finalist for the 2012 National Book Critics Circle Award.
The City of Los Angeles Poet Laureate is selected through an open-call process. Nominations and direct proposals are welcome to connect the City with master poets who wish to be considered for the honor. Nominations will be researched and proposals reviewed by an expert panel, so that one candidate can be appointed by the Mayor in January 2017.
The Mayor’s Office’s guiding principles require an open nomination/application process with stated eligibility criteria, judging, and performance expectations to engender inclusiveness, transparency, and fairness.
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Author: Lisa Bianconi
Editor of www.nohoartsdistrict.com