Artists' Programs

POET LAUREATE

Arts Council Napa Valley (ACNV) announces the opening of the position of Napa County Poet Laureate. The applicaton process for this position is now closed. The Napa County Board of Supervisors will choose a new Poet Laureate this spring.

Program Description

As an ambassador for poetry, the Laureate is expected to promote citizens' awareness of poetry as well as heighten their appreciation of the art form. The Laureate will strive to forge a meaningful connection between poetry and the populace, undertaking projects that make poetry more available and more accessible to people in their everyday lives. During the Poet Laureate's two-year appointment, he or she will be expected to officiate at selected public gatherings, initiate a dialogue between poets and the community, inspire others in their writing and personal expression and bring recognition to the history and tradition of poetry in Napa County.

The Mission & Goals of the Poet Laureate Position are to:

• Celebrate through poetry where we live and who we are;
• Inspire others in their writing and personal expression;
• Initiate dialogue between poets and the community;
• Promote poetry through the media and through cultural organizations and to reach out to community institutions;
• Represent Napa County in the wider community;
• Bring recognition to the history and tradition of poetry in Napa County;
• Propose specific goals and activities in order to expand the appreciation of poetry in the community;
• Encourage writing in all age groups;
• Promote poetry at cultural events;
• Create new work;
• Create and/or read poetry at civic occasions, celebrations and moments of public transition;
• And bring attention to poetry in less traditional settings.

Selection Process

The Napa County Poet Laureate will be appointed by the Napa County Board of Supervisors from a list of nominees provided by ACNV. Selection will be achieved through a competitive nomination process. The application process requires both a nominator and a nominee. Nominees provided by Arts Council Napa Valley (ACNV) will be garnered through the following process: ACNV will solicit nominations through a "Call for Nominations" to be posted to the ACNV website (www.artscouncilnapavalley.org) under the "Artist Opportunities" section and through direct contacts at universities, literary groups and ACNV members.

Position Description

The position of Napa County Poet Laureate will be filled by a writer who must have contributed to Napa County's poetic community, written poetry of merit and should be comfortable with public presentation and interaction.