Steeped in a time-honored, literary and arts history integral to its identity, Westport is now looking for its own poet laureate, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC) announced today.
According to the announcement, candidates should submit an application and supporting materials to be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, the Westport Library and the WAAC.
Guidelines and the application form are available at https://www.westportarts.org and the Westport Library’s reference desk.
According to WAAC officials, the poet laureate’s role is “to elevate poetry in the consciousness of Westport, Connecticut residents and to celebrate and continue the town’s vibrant literary history.”
The poet laureate’s duties, the announcement said, are: to promote poetry as a form of communication, inspiration and entertainment in the life of town residents; to expand and promote the community’s awareness and appreciation for poetry, spoken word and writing in general; to advocate for poetry, literature and the arts, and to contribute to Westport’s literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events; to summon a spirit of celebration, reflection and healing; and to utilize Westport’s natural and human resources to promote poetry in the community.
According to the WAAC, eligible candidates must be a poet with a wide range of experience, a town resident, more than 21 years old and willing to collaborate with the library, school district and town cultural institutions to develop and present poetry-related events.
Applications are due on May 31, and the job is an honorary, nonpay position for two years.
For further information visit: https://www.westportarts.org. Officials said inquiries may be made via email with the subject line POET to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
