Malden Looking For Its Next Poet Laureate

MALDEN, MA – Malden is accepting applications for its next poet laureate. The poet laureate will serve a two-year term from July 2023 to June 2025 and will receive a $2,500 stipend per year.

The application deadline is Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m.

The poet selected will serve as an advocate for poetry and the literary arts, and will advance Malden residents’ consciousness and appreciation of poetry in the written and spoken forms.

The intent behind the position is that the Poet Laureate will find ways to bring poetry to community members who may be unfamiliar with poetry, create a creative environment for collaboration and community participation, hold 5-10 readings and workshops for Malden community members, and read poems at ceremonial events.

Applicant to the position must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age;
• Must reside in Malden during the time of the application and for the duration of the appointment;
• Must demonstrate a track record of experience publishing and/or presenting original poetry within poetry journals, books, magazines, websites, and/or programs;
• Must present strong evidence of positive contributions to the Malden community.

Applicants of all backgrounds and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The selection committee will review applications and select a finalist for the poet laureate position. This committee will be made up of a designee from the mayor’s office, City Councilor Amanda Linehan, and President of Malden Arts, Candace Julyan.

The selection committee will be looking at the following criteria among applicants:

• Quality of published work
• Professional achievement in poetry
• Comfort with performance of poetry in public
• Interest in building community through poetry and serving as an advocate for poetry
• Past work or volunteerism within the Malden community.
• Application for Poet Laureate - Interested applicants should provide the following information (Acceptable upload formats: Word or .pdf):
• A letter of intent describing why you are interested in this position and how you envision fulfilling the duties
• A resume / CV listing all published works and related experience
• Evidence of contributions to the City of Malden which can include letters of recommendation
• Examples of original poetry

Applications should be sent to Kathleen Manning Hall at kmanninghall@cityofmalden.org.