The Grand Rapids Public Library invites emerging and established poets to apply and become the seventh Poet Laureate of the Greater Grand Rapids Area.
A Poet Laureate must demonstrate a love and commitment to poetry. The ideal candidate must be passionate about being an ambassador of poetry and has a passion to engage with the community via projects and programs.
Applicants must be a resident of Kent County, and send in the following with their application:
- Cover letter with contact information, including email and phone.
- Resume or CV that includes publication and/or performance credits.
- Written statement (of no more than 500 words) detailing the types of projects you would like to accomplish, and how.
- Ten pages of original poetry (published or unpublished) as a sample of work.
- Names and contact information of two or three individuals who can speak to how you would be successful in the role of Poet Laureate.
- Applicants may submit links to online readings of their poetry (no more than ten minutes in total).
Submit the following information in PDF format to poetlaureate@grpl.org. Applications are due January 31.
The Poet Laureate selection committee will review all applicants and select a candidate in February, with the term beginning in April.
For more information, visit grpl.org/poetlaureate.
