Austin seeks an official bard
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Sharpen your pencils and whip out those rhymes — Austin is seeking a poet laureate.
Why it matters: The inaugural Austin poet laureate will act as the official ambassador of the city's literary arts, aiming to promote literacy, mentor other poets and foster community connections.
How to apply: Applications are open through Nov. 30. Among other things, applicants must:
- Submit a statement explaining why they should be selected to be the Austin poet laureate;
- Submit a statement outlining their ideas to enhance the literary arts within the community, specifically aiming to involve and represent diverse communities across the city;
- And include a writing sample consisting of one to three poems or a spoken word video. Applicants submitting written poems should also submit a video of the applicant reciting one poem.
Follow the money: The poet laureate will receive an annual salary of $25,000 and a $10,000 annual budget for program expenses.
- The selected poet is expected to lead 10 public readings or workshops and work at least 10 hours per week, including at least 5 hours per month at the Central Library.
The backstory: The Austin poet laureate program was established through the efforts of local poet KB Brookins.
- The program should "promote all of the goodness that already exists in our poetry and literary community," Brookins told KUT this spring while encouraging the city council to support the project.
What's next: A poet laureate committee and city officials will review and evaluate the submitted applications.
- The committee will interview a select group of finalists in February before making a final recommendation to the director of the Austin Public Library. The selected poet laureate will be notified in March 2025.