Newton Establishes New Poet Laureate Position

NEWTON, MA — Mayor Marc Laredo announced Tuesday that the city will soon appoint its first-ever Poet Laureate.

A Poet Laureate has the duty of advancing the interest in literary arts in the community and recognizing the artistic achievements of residents.

“Poetry puts words to emotions we all feel,” Laredo said. “I wholeheartedly believe that, like all arts and culture, it is a vital part of what helps bring us together as a community.”

He gave credit to Newton’s Director of Arts and Culture Meryl Kessler for being a driving force behind establishing this new position. Kessler’s department was also founded earlier this year at the beginning of Laredo’s tenure for the similar purpose of encouraging and emboldening artists of all kinds.

Kessler holds a bachelor’s degree in public and international Affairs from Princeton University. She later earned a master’s degree in government from Harvard University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. She has experience in local government and civic engagement through her time as the Chair of Spark Newton, which was formerly known as Newton Community Pride. In addition, Kessler previously served as the State Director of the League of Women Voters. Laredo expressed his approval of the job Kessler has done so far.

“We actually have had two U.S. Poet Laureates living here, and Robert Frost even delivered a poem at the Newtonville Library back in 1989,” Laredo said. “Poetry, like many other forms of arts and culture, are critical to the wellbeing of Newton.”

An Advisory Nominating Committee is slated to be formed, who will be in charge of selecting the inaugural Poet Laureate. Laredo said further details about the application process for the three-year term will be revealed this coming summer.

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