Deadline for submission – Friday, October 18, 2024
The City of New Westminster is accepting submissions from local writers (poets, spoken word artists and storytellers) with diverse voices and perspectives in
consideration for the City’s Poet Laureate Program.
IBPOC (Indigenous, black and people of colour) and equity-denied literary artists are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. The term “equity denied” refers to those in the community that face entrenched marginalization due to attitudinal, historic, social and environmental barriers including age, ethnicity, disability, economic status, gender, nationality, race, sexual orientation or transgender status.
About
The Poet Laureate, through public readings, presentations and engagement opportunities, strives to reflect the life and diversity of the City, share and promote
the value of literary arts with all residents and to stimulate dialogue, learning and connection around issues and ideas that are important to the community.
Through the course of the term, the successful applicant will:
- Present imaginative and insightful work at select public events
- Engage with the community through initiatives that inspire participation
in and appreciation of the literary arts - Conceptualize, develop and implement a legacy project that builds upon
their engagement initiatives
The Poet Laureate will work collaboratively with City staff to shape their engagement plan, which includes both participation in public events as well as other forms of community activation in a way that best aligns with their practice.
Term
This is an honorary position with a three-year term beginning in 2025.
Recognition & Remuneration
The Poet Laureate will be provided an honorarium of $2500 per year. An annual budget of $1,000 will also be available to support the Laureate’s engagement initiatives. Additional project funds may be available to support the Legacy project dependent upon available financial resources. A section of the City’s website will be
provided for the Poet Laureate’s work and the City will promote engagement activities though City social media channels.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for Poet Laureate must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be an active published or performance-based writer (poet, spoken word
artist or storyteller) with a history of activity in their discipline (readings,
publications, public presentations and/or teaching);
o Print or multimedia poets must have a compelling portfolio of
published work;
o Spoken-word artists and storytellers must demonstrate a history
through participation in recognized performances or public events. - Demonstrate a body of work and/or alignment with the Program goal of
supporting diverse voices and perspectives - Demonstrate a connection to the community.
Preference will be given to New Westminster-based writers or those from the Metro
Vancouver region who demonstrate a strong affiliation with the New Westminster
community.
Please note: City of New Westminster staff, members of the City advisory
committees and jury panel members are not eligible to apply.
Preference will be given to New Westminster-based writers or those from the Metro Vancouver region who demonstrate a strong affiliation with the New Westminster
community.
Please note: City of New Westminster staff, members of the City advisory committees and jury panel members are not eligible to apply.
Submissions Format
Submissions to be submitted in the form of a letter of intent that addresses how you meet the eligibility criteria. Required accompanying documents include a
biography and 3-5 examples of past work that reflect your literary practice.
Submission Deadline
Email submissions on or before Friday, October 18 to artservices@newwestcity.ca and include the subject line: City of New Westminster Poet Laureate Call.
Paper submissions will be accepted c/o:
City of New Westminster Poet Laureate Call
Anvil Centre
777 Columbia Street
New Westminster, BC
V3M 1B6
Evaluation
The following criteria will be used to evaluate submissions:
- Community Connection
- Range and quality of support materials
- Alignment with program goal to support diverse voices and perspectives and
provide engagement opportunities - Level of Engagement proposed in the application
Selection Process
Eligible submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by a Selection Committee that will include representation from the New Westminster public library, the local
literary arts community and a past Poet Laureate.
Candidates may be invited to an informal discussion about their unique vision for the term as Poet Laureate.
Intellectual Property
All writing, notes and original materials produced during the tenure of the Poet Laureate will remain the property of the Poet Laureate.
Questions?
Please direct questions regarding the call to artservices@newwestcity.ca.
