The city of Madison is looking for a new poet laureate.
The city was one of the first in the country to have an official poet. That was John Tuschen, appointed by Mayor Paul Soglin in 1977. The current poet laureate, Fabu, has served nearly four years.
Any organization or member of the community may nominate a poet, and self-nominations are welcome. Criteria include commitment to the community, literary excellence and continued pursuit of the craft.
Poets laureate create occasional poems for specific civic events and help sustain poetry programs for the city of Madison. The position is unpaid.
The deadline for nominations is Oct. 5. The selection will be announced in January. For information, visit the Madison Arts Commission website at www.cityofmadison.com/mac.
