Lansing Poet Laureate Program Seeks Qualified Area Poets
Application Period is Open for the Lansing Area’s Second Poet Laureate
LANSING, Mich. – Following two years of programming and engagement from the inaugural Lansing Poet Laureate, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the Lansing Poetry Club, and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) Center for Poetry at Michigan State University are seeking applicants for the 2019-2021 two-year Lansing Poet Laureate position.
The Lansing Poet Laureate is tasked with engaging the Tri-County Community in the literary arts, to promote poetry as an art form, expand access to the literary arts, connect the community to poetry, and showcase poetry as a literary voice that contributes to a greater sense of place.
“We are experiencing a Poetry Renaissance in the Greater Lansing Area,” said Ruelaine Stokes, president of the Lansing Poetry Club. “We now have poems engraved in city sidewalks and an ever-growing number of exciting poetry venues. The Lansing Poet Laureate serves as both catalyst and cheerleader for all this creative activity.”
During his tenure as Lansing’s first Poet Laureate, Dennis Hinrichsen built a strong foundation and set a high bar for future poets seeking to elevate the cultural spirit of our region through the art of poetry. Hinrichsen embodied the appointment of the Lansing Poet Laureate by integrating poetry into major events such as Lansing’s 2018 Mayoral Inauguration, to creating permanent public etchings in four key Lansing neighborhood sidewalks with more etchings underway in the City of Charlotte, to organizing readings and workshops throughout the Tri-County Area.
“At every turn, our region needs to look and feel like an international, diverse and cosmopolitan environment, so that our companies can select the best global talent for an ever-broader talent pool willing and wanting to live here,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “Every major city or state has a Poet Laureate and so do we. This is just one more piece of the strategic placemaking efforts we are engaged in throughout the region. LEAP is most thankful to the tremendous leadership of MSU’s RCAH Center for Poetry and the Lansing Poetry Club.”
As an ambassador for poetry throughout the Tri-County Region, the Lansing Poet Laureate serves a 2-year appointment and will receive a $2,000 per year stipend from LEAP. The appointed Poet Laureate will have the opportunity to shape the scope of work to reflect personal interests, skills and abilities. Applicants must be an Ingham, Eaton or Clinton County resident; must be at least 18 years old, and an experienced and skilled poet dedicated to producing poetry in textual and oral traditions.
“Poetry speaks across time and place, forming community where before were solitary individuals,” said Laurie Hollinger, Assistant Director of the RCAH Center for Poetry. “The RCAH Center for Poetry is elated to co-sponsor a new Lansing Poet Laureate, whose efforts will continue to connect communities through the power of poetry.”
A workshop for assistance with the application process will take place Jan.12 from 10 a.m. – noon at MICA Gallery, 1210 Turner St., Lansing, MI 48906. Applications for the 2019-2021 Lansing Poet Laureate are available online and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019.
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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all—working every day to grow, retain and attract business.
Category: Community & Placemaking, Press Releases