Brookfield Poet Laureate Proposal The Board of Selectmen
Brookfield Poet Laureate Proposal The Board of Selectmen shall appoint a Poet Laureate for Brookfield (selected by the Brookfield Poet Laureate Selection Panel) to promote an appreciation for poetry for the “solace, enjoyment and delight” of residents of Brookfield, Connecticut.
What is a Poet Laureate? “A Poet Laureate is a person who is recognized for his or her long-standing involvement in poetry. This person demonstrates passion and expertise in the field and works to promote poetry in the general culture” Connecticut Coalition of Poets Laureate
What are their duties? • Organize and/or take part in poetry readings/workshops open to the public • Foster public appreciation and participation in poetry and literary arts activities in Brookfield • Promote ideas of compassion and inclusion • Fulfill one special project during the (generally) 3 -year tenure • Be a part of the CT coalition of Poets Laureate as Brookfield’s official representative • Serve as a mentor to at least one aspiring local Brookfield student, between ages 13 – 18, who is keenly interested in poetry
What are the criteria? • 18 years old + • Able to serve a 3 -year term with possibility of extension • Strong desire to actively engage people of all ages in Brookfield through poetry • A Brookfield resident • Some history of advocacy for poetry • Experienced in the field of poetry and able to fulfull the required duties of the position
Who will be on the Selection Panel? 7 member panel 1 Brookfield Library 1 Brookfield Arts Commission 1 Brookfield Theatre 1 Brookfield Public Schools 3 Community Members
Application/Selection Process? 1. Applications will be accepted from April 15, 2020 – May 15, 2020 2. The Selection Panel will review the applications and make a recommendation to the Bo. S in June 2020 3. The inaugural term will begin June 2020 – April 2023
April is National Poetry Month! The Academy of American Poets organized National Poetry Month almost 25 years ago as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States Emily Dickinson Edgar Allan Poe Maya Angelou Rudyard Kipling Sylvia Plath Robert Frost Brookfield Poet Laureate
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