Call for Next Wisconsin Poet Laureate Opens Aug. 15

The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, in partnership with the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, is seeking applications for the new 2017–18 Poet Laureate of Wisconsin.

Beginning Aug. 15, 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 [email protected] no later than Oct. 14, 2016, for consideration. Application instructions are available at wisconsinpoetlaureate.org.

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 Jan. 1, 2017 and ends Dec. 31, 2018. The Poet Laureate is awarded a $2,500 stipend per year.

The current Wisconsin Poet Laureate is Kimberly Blaeser. During her term, Blaeser spearheaded a Poetry Recitation Project that features videos submitted by poetry fans—of all ages, from across the state—reciting a favorite poem. After review by the Poet Laureate Commission, videos are posted as “pins” to a map of Wisconsin.

For application information visit wisconsinpoetlaureate.org.