Title
Approval of Poet Laureate for 2017-2019
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends Council approve the proposed 2017-2019 Poet Laureate and alternate.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed 2017-2019 Poet Laureate and alternate.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the 2017-2019 Poet Laureate and alternate.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Commission staff liaison
Stacy Hicks, Vice-Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
On August 16, Council approved the proposed Poet Laureate policy and Call for Art. Jurors met on October 27, to deliberate on the 10 applications received for Poet Laureate. Applications included a resume, samples of poetry, a video reading and a program proposal. Jurors included Susan Aurand, Kellie Braseth, Stacy Hicks and Suzanne Simons. Juror Brian McCracken was unexpectedly absent due to illness. One member of the public was in attendance.
The jury was impressed by the quality of the applications. They recommended Amy Solomon-Minarchi for Poet Laureate, finding the poet and her work to be especially approachable, both in local references in the poetry, and in the energy displayed in the reading. The program proposal was also influenced by our community and very appropriate, specifically involving youth and young adults. The recommended alternate, Cecily Markham, also submitted a meaningful program proposal (focusing on women in transition) and the poet was accomplished in her written and spoken work.
The Arts Commission reviewed the work of the jury on November 10, 2016, and unanimously moved to forward the recommendation to Council for approval. They believe Ms. Solomon-Minarchi is a strong candidate to inaugurate the City's Poet Laureate program.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Approve the recommendation for the 2017-2019 Poet...
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