Arts & Entertainment
Guest Column: City of Albany Seeks New Poet Laureate
If you are an active poet and you live or work in Albany, you are invited to apply for this position.
The is seeking applications for the position of poet laureate. This honorary position is given to a throughout the year, and to foster a love of poetry and literature among citizens. The appointment is for two years beginning on July 1, and is unpaid.
The duties of the poet laureate include:
- Publicly presenting to the city four new poems for public occasions (previous examples include Arbor Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Dinner with Albany)
- Holding a poetry workshop for Albany schoolchildren
- Offering a public reading of your work and that of other or other designated venue
- Participating in other activities that promote poetry throughout the community
To be considered for the position, you must have lived or worked in Albany for at least six months prior to the deadline; have a proven record of publication; and have a record of active contribution and community involvement as a poet.
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Print the full application brochure from this page, or pick up a brochure at the main desk of the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. (Learn more online here on the city's website.)
The following is a summary of application materials required. Please submit one digital CD, and five hard-copy sets, of the following materials:
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- Evidence that you meet the qualifications (photocopies of published works, statement of residence or employment, news clips, web printouts, etc.)
- Your resume and contact information
- Two personal or professional references (maximum 300 words each)
- No more than 20 pages of selections from your work, published or unpublished
- A personal statement not to exceed 500 words about why you are interested in the position and what activities and goals you want to pursue during your appointment
- (Optional) A video (mpg) or recording (mp3) of you reciting your work
Finalists will be invited to an interview before the Selection Committee.
Deliver your submission before Friday, April 29, to:
Albany Poet Laureate Program
c/o Albany Arts Committee
1249 Marin Ave.
Albany CA 94706