Call for Poet Laureate Nominations

press release: The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, in partnership with the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, is seeking applications for the new 2017–2018 Poet Laureate of Wisconsin.

Beginning August 15, 2016, applications are welcome from individual poets who are seeking the position. Applications may also be submitted by a person who is nominating a poet for the position of Wisconsin Poet Laureate. A complete application package must be sent to the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission at wipoetlaureate@gmail.com no later than October 14, 2016, for consideration. Application instructions are available on the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission website.  

The Wisconsin Poet Laureate is the state’s leading poetic voice and an ambassador for poetry, encouraging the reading and writing of poetry across the state. The Poet Laureate engages a variety of Wisconsin constituencies, enriching the lives of residents by sharing and promoting poetry through conversation, readings, public appearances, workshops and digital and social media.  

The Poet Laureate’s term of service is two years. The next term begins on January 1, 2017 and ends on December 31, 2018. The Poet Laureate is awarded a $2,500 stipend per year. Poets Laureate often see sales of their published works increase, and can also earn significant stipends for appearances.  

The Poet Laureate is expected to contribute to the growth of poetry across Wisconsin, plan and attend statewide literary events and educational programs, visit each region of the state at least once during the two-year term, promote poetry and the Poet Laureate position via electronic social media, and participate in selecting the succeeding Poet Laureate and guide the transition into the role.  

The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission embraces the diversity of human experience and identity. All applications are welcome, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, cultural heritage, socio-economic background, or physical ability.