Title
Approval of Poet Laureate for 2021-2023
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends approval of the proposed 2021-2023 Poet Laureate.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed 2021-2023 Poet Laureate.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the 2021-2023 Poet Laureate.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Commission Staff Liaison
Frederick Dobler, Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
Every two years the City of Olympia selects a Poet Laureate to engage our entire community in the literary arts. Olympia's take on the position of Poet Laureate is less an honorary title and more about service over status. Duties include:
* Promoting poetry as an art form,
* Expanding access to the literary arts,
* Encouraging poetry as a community voice that contributes to a sense of place
Olympia's next Poet Laureate will be called specifically to utilize the power of poetry and language to contribute insight, foster understanding and support healing around issues of equity and inclusion in our community.
Olympia's previous Poet Laureate, Sady Sparks, completed her two-year appointment at the end of December 2020. Challenges in recruitment, due to COVID and otherwise, have delayed this recommendation.
The Jury met on March 25, 2021, to deliberate on the seven applications received for Poet Laureate. Applications included a resume, samples of poetry, a video reading and a program proposal. Jurors included:
-Kellie Braseth, Director of Strategic Communications, City of Olympia
-Frederick Dobler, Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
-Sady Sparks, Olympia Poet Laureate 2019-2020
-Erin Tail, Poet
-Thresea "Mama T" Yost, Curator of Futures Rising exhibition at SPSCC Leonor R. Fuller Gallery
After deliberation, four applications were moved forward for interviews on April 1, 2021. Following interviews, the jury recommen...
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