Takoma Park Searches for New Poet Laureate

Takoma Park Poet Laureate Anne Becker's term ends in June and the city is looking for a new poet to take her spot. Please, fine residents, don't nominate me. I'm not so good with the verse. But you can nominate a poet in the city that you love.

The Takoma Park Poet Laureate program honors the achievements of a local poet and is designed to provide literary leadership in the community. The goal is not only to support and promote Takoma Park’s poets, but to encourage a wider appreciation of poetry and literature, Takoma Park Housing and Community Development Director Sara Daines said.

The selected poet would serve from July 1 through June 30, 2013.

The selected Poet Laureate must be a published poet and a Takoma Park resident, Daines said. All nominees must submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae/resume including a list of publications and three samples of poetry.  The cover letter should identify a project the candidate would pursue over the two-year term to expand the community's awareness and interest in poetry.

The Poet Laureate is not a paid position, but an honorarium of $2,000 will
be awarded per term.

Nomination submissions are due on or before 4:30 P.M. on May 9 and must be submitted to the Arts and Humanities Commission at the following address:

Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission
C/o Sara Anne Daines
7600 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park MD 20912