The Lafayette Arts & Cultural Resources Department is seeking applications for the next Poet Laureate for the City of Lafayette. The Lafayette Poet Laureate is an honorary position whose role is to promote the literary arts and literacy within Lafayette. The Lafayette Poet Laureate program was established in 2022 to promote Lafayette’s creative, diverse, and eclectic identity by celebrating and fostering an appreciation of poetry, literacy, and by honoring outstanding Lafayette poets. A Poet Laureate Program provides a way to help our community through hard times, celebrate our successes, and take pleasure in our daily lives.
The Poet Laureate will participate in public events to perform poetry, as well as do outreach to youth and adults. They will serve as an active advocate for poetry, literacy, and literature in the community. The Lafayette Poet Laureate will be appointed by the Mayor of the City of Lafayette following the recommendation of the selection panel.
The Lafayette Poet Laureate is a 2-year position with a stipend of $2500 per term. The Lafayette Poet Laureate is responsible for producing, sharing, and promoting poetry throughout their term. The Poet Laureate may be reappointed for an additional term. Funding will be provided through the Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission and Arts & Cultural Resources Department. The application opens on Nov. 1, 2023, and must be completed by Jan. 31, 2024. The City of Lafayette Poet Laureate will be appointed in April 2024. More information is available online at lafayetteco.gov/poet.