Local poets invited to apply for two-year role as San Mateo County literary ambassador
San Mateo County, California – For those who love literature, San Mateo County has presented a captivating opportunity: applications are now open for the esteemed role of County Poet Laureate, which seeks to advance poetry and the arts throughout the county. Extending the application date to January 22, 2025, the Office of Arts and Culture gives poets additional time to apply for this significant post.
The County Poet Laureate is considered an ambassador for poetry, literature, and the arts within San Mateo County. Over their two-year term, they interact with the community to inspire and promote a love of literary arts.
“Poets put words to our feelings and help to bring meaning to our emotions,” said David J. Canepa, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. “We encourage newer poets with fresh ideas and established poets with their own unique voices to apply.”
The post was created in 2013 with the intention of raising awareness of the literary arts and poetry within the county. The laureate has a platform to impact cultural narratives and interact with people with various backgrounds, therefore enhancing not only the arts but also their influence.
The laureate gets an annual stipend of $5,000 to help with their activities; another $2,000 is accessible over their tenure for programming needs. These funds enable the Poet Laureate to plan readings, seminars, and events involving the community that strengthen the local cultural landscape.
Candidates for this post have to satisfy many requirements. Candidates should be minimum 18 years old and ready to serve from Spring 2025 until December 2027. They have to have lived in San Mateo County for at least three years. Prospective laureates should also have either performed spoken word publicly on numerous occasions or published one or more sets of poems.
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The selection process is exhaustive to guarantee a qualified and motivating applicant is chosen. Former Poet Laureates will be on a committee reviewing entries and doing interviews following the application deadline. The Office of Arts and Culture offers the Board of Supervisors, who will name the new Poet Laureate, final recommendations.
Being the Poet Laureate not only honors but also carries great responsibility since the Poet Laureate strives to make poetry relevant and accessible, therefore strengthening the fabric of San Mateo County.
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Aspiring writers who want to use their words and ideas to have an effect are encouraged to read the comprehensive rules and apply by the deadline to grab this special opportunity to become a leading voice in the local arts scene.
