Nevada City – July 16, 2024. Who will next wear the crown of Poet Laureate for Nevada County?
Nevada County Arts Council in partnership with the Nevada County Libraries invites the public to submit nominations and self-nominations for the position of Nevada County Poet Laureate! The new Poet Laureate will be announced at the 9th Annual Sierra Poetry Festival on April 5, 2025.
“The library loves partnering with Nevada County Arts Council to promote the Nevada County Poet Laureate program. During my tenure as Nevada County Librarian I’ve had the opportunity to work with Poets Laureate Chris Olander and Kristin Casey,” shares Nevada County Librarian Nick Wilczek. “Their dedication to poetry and poets is admirable, sharing time with writers, readers, and literature lovers of all ages. In addition to writing and sharing their own work, they have inspired countless poets across Nevada County.”
Entering its eighth year, the Nevada County Poet Laureate program began at the 2017 Sierra Poetry Festival with then California Poetry Laureate, Dana Gioia celebrating the inaugural Poet Laureate, Molly Fisk. In 2019 Fisk was awarded an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship for her work in the community.
Along with Molly Fisk, past Poets Laureate include Chris Olander, a California Poets in the Schools teacher and bio-educator and current Nevada County Poet Laureate, Kirsten Casey. “As Nevada County Poet Laureate I have been continually nourished by the way poetry forges connection in our community. From reading at public dedications and events, to visiting classrooms and holding monthly Poetry Happy Hour, I have felt nothing but support and willing participation. Hopefully those who have attended have felt that sense of togetherness, and have enjoyed how accessible and compelling poems are, whether you are a high school student, or someone in retirement. Poetry is tangible, available, and appealing. Even in my last months as Poet Laureate, I assure you, there is a verse that will feel personal, and serendipitous to a part of your life, just waiting for you.” Says Casey.
Eliza Tudor, Executive Director at Nevada County Arts Council, says: “After being appointed and confirmed by Nevada County Board of Supervisors, the Poet Laureate serves for a minimum term of one year. Their role is to act as an ambassador for poetry in Nevada County, sharing the art of poetry, and engaging with the community generously, participating in public readings, engaging in dialogue, and supporting intergenerational learning.”
As an ambassador for poetry, the Poet Laureate will lend agency and voice for poets of all ages, and nurture valuation for poetry as a means of creative expression. The next Poet Laureate is asked to envision and implement a meaningful community project that extends the length of their term, reaching communities who may not have previously experienced poetry.
Nominations are due with Nevada County Arts Council via our online submission forms by 5pm on October 1, 2024. Visit the Nevada County Arts Council submission page for the full list of criteria for nomination and more about the Poet Laureate Program. If you have questions, please email poetlaureate@nevadacountyarts.org and include the words “Question about the Poet Laureate nomination process” in the subject line.
What: Nevada County Poet Laureate Program inviting nominations!
When: Monday, July 15 – Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Where: Online at nevadacountyarts.org/2024-poet-laureate-nomination Who: Nevada County Arts Council