Coeur d'Alene establishes poet laureate honorific

The city of Coeur d’Alene announced July 18 the establishment of the honorific of Coeur d’Alene poet laureate.

Poets, including songwriters, who are 18 or older and reside in Coeur d’Alene are encouraged to apply before the 5 p.m. Aug. 9 deadline.

The Coeur d’Alene poet laureate will have the unique opportunity to reflect the city’s distinctive landscapes, social situations and significant events through their art. This initiative is designed not only to foster a deeper appreciation for poetry and literature within the community but also to document Coeur d’Alene’s distinctive character. Coeur d'Alene City Council authorized the program proposal July 2.

The poet laureate will be appointed by the mayor upon recommendation of the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission and subject to city council confirmation. The poet laureate will serve a term of three fiscal years (October–September) and will receive an annual honorarium of $1,500.

The poet laureate will be commissioned to:
• Write at least two original works each year to be entered into the city’s public art collection. These works will be published in local publications and/or presented at public occasions.
• Perform at least three local readings each year — one at the Mayor’s Awards in the Arts, one at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library for the National Poetry Month and one at the regular city council meeting.
• Work to raise the visibility of poetry and other literary arts within the community through outreach, education and other programs.

Interested poets and songwriters are invited to submit applications via email to Jo Anne Mateski at jmateski@cdaid.org. Applications should include:

•  A one-page letter of interest detailing the applicant’s connection to Coeur d’Alene and proposed outreach initiatives or programs that could be implemented in the community, including the applicant’s address
• Three original poems or songs, with publication credits, if applicable
• A résumé highlighting qualifications and publications
•  A video or web link to a video of applicants performing samples of their works

Info: cdaid.org