Title
Special Recognition - Olympia’s Outgoing (Inaugural) Poet Laureate
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize Poet Laureate Amy Solomon-Minarchi for her efforts to engage our community in the literary arts, and welcome incoming Poet Laureate Sady Sparks.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize outgoing Poet Laureate Amy Solomon-Minarchi and welcome incoming Poet Laureate Sady Sparks.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Amy Solomon-Minarchi, Olympia Poet Laureate January 1, 2017- December 31, 2018
Sady Sparks, Olympia Poet Laureate January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020
Background and Analysis:
The intent of Olympia’s Poet Laureate designation is to:
• Promote poetry as an art form
• Expand access to the literary arts
• Connect the community to poetry
• Promote poetry as a community voice that contributes to a sense of place
During her tenure, Olympia Poet Laureate Amy Solomon-Minarchi has engaged the public and the poetry community through such projects as:
• The Writing in the Rain Project and poetry readings and performances during Arts Walk
• Poetry Rides Bus and Bus Stop Poetry, in association with InterCity Transit
• Isthmus Park Poetry stamped in the concrete of one of our newest parks.
• Community Poetry Anthology Project: I Hear Olympia Singing
In addition, Ms. Solomon-Minarchi has conducted poetry workshops with incarcerated youth, during Arts Walk, in schools, and in partnership with Olympia Timberland Library. She has recited poetry at City Council meetings, and at poetry slams and events throughout Olympia.
The vast majority of the poetry highlighted through these projects was not written by Ms. Solomon-Minarchi. Rather, she used the opportunity afforded as Poet Laureate to lift the writing of others, shining a light on a vibrant community passion for poetry.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
None