Culture Works

         

THE SUBMISSION PERIOD FOR THE CITY OF DAYTON POET LAUREATE CLOSED 10/1/2024
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS!

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: POET LAUREATE, DAYTON, OHIO

The City of Dayton, in partnership with Culture Works, is accepting submissions from published and performance poets for Dayton’s first Poet Laureate. 

ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE: Words/Poetry

PURPOSE OF THE POET LAUREATE PROGRAM

The City of Dayton, acknowledging the profound impact of Poetry as a form of expression, literature, and a promoter of literacy, is committed to supporting the community of poets. In this vein, we establish the position of "The Poet Laureate of the City of Dayton", a role that will be instrumental in celebrating our city's culture and heritage. This position will be administered by the mayor's office in partnership with Culture Works.

Read the City Commission's Resolution from the June 2024 City Commission Meeting HERE.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The City of Dayton Poet Laureate will:

• Annually participate in civic events such as City of Dayton Commission meetings, official functions, culture events and other like events to encourage the reading and writing of literature by a wide range of city residents, including youth.
• Commemorate the City of Dayton by composing poetry that is reflective of Dayton and the region’s diversity, landscape, cityscape, cultural heritage, and civic identity.
• Promote literacy through fostering poetry in schools and foster the development of poetry among youth.
• Serve a two-year term.

COMPENSATION

The City of Dayton Poet Laureate receives $1,500 per two-year term.

ELIGIBILITY

Each applicant must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Currently live or work in the City of Dayton and continue to live or work in Dayton throughout the appointment (2-year term).
• Have a record of commissions or published work.
• Be recognized in the field and demonstrate literary excellence.
• Exhibit a previous commitment to promoting awareness of poetry.
• Provide additional relevant information/experience including but not limited to print or online publications of their poetry; leadership in organizations or groups whose primary focus is poetry; and other experience that would demonstrate a person’s qualifications and/or eagerness to serve as the City of Dayton Poet Laureate.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit an application for City of Dayton Poet Laureate online.

Be prepared to upload the following information:

• A statement (250 words or less) stating your eligibility to serve as Poet Laureate through residence or employment.
• Provide an artist statement. An artist's statement is an artist's written description of their creative practice. Why do you create?  The brief statement is an opportunity to speak in support of your creative work and to help the panel understand your point of view (250 words or less).

Separate statements (or input on form), answering or providing the following:

• Why does the City of Dayton needs a Poet Laureate?
• Why are you applying to be Poet Laureate?
• What do you want to accomplish as Poet Laureate?
• How do you plan to engage Dayton’s diverse communities?
• Your CV, resume, or portfolio
• One original, unpublished poem about the City of Dayton
• One original, unpublished poem about peace
• One original, unpublished poem of your choice

SELECTION PROCESS

The Poet Laureate of the City of Dayton will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of diverse local literary professionals, City of Dayton representatives, and other qualified community leaders. The Selection Committee’s sole purpose is to choose a candidate based on artistic merit.

Submissions will be collected and organized by Culture Works. Each applicant’s portfolio/submission will be assigned an ID to ensure anonymity and equity.  Any and all references to the entrant’s name (other than on the application information document) will be redacted or deleted.

If no suitable candidates are found through this application process, the selection committee is authorized to nominate and invite eligible candidates.

CITY/REGION: Dayton, OH

POINT OF CONTACT: Diane Schoeffler-Warren, Culture Works

CONTACT EMAIL: poetlaureatedayton@cultureworks.org

EXPIRES: October 1, 2024