Oklahoma Arts Council seeks nominations for State Poet Laureate

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Arts Council is seeking nominations for Oklahoma’s next State Poet Laureate. Nominations are being accepted through June 30 from poetry societies, libraries, local arts and humanities councils, colleges and universities, and writers’ groups. The poet selected for the honorary position will serve a two-year term, beginning January 1, 2017.

Nominees must be distinguished poets who are residents of Oklahoma and have a published body of work that includes at least one original book. Nominees must be committed to outreach and the promotion of poetry statewide. A stipend will be provided for five presentations in geographically underserved locations and/or for diverse audiences.

The tradition of poets laureate originated hundreds of years ago. Historically, poets laureate have been conferred by governments to make public appearances at poetry readings, lectures, literary, and other events to promote a greater appreciation of poetry. In addition to the United States Poet Laureate, most U.S. states have established a poets laureate program.

The Oklahoma Arts Council coordinates the work of the Poet Laureate Nomination Review Committee, which makes recommendations to the Governor of Oklahoma. The committee is comprised of individuals with expertise in literary art forms, including poets, university professors, former state poets laureate, and others. The Governor makes the final selection of the Oklahoma State Poet Laureate.

A nomination packet with complete guidelines and a nomination form is available at arts.ok.gov. For more information, contact Joel Gavin at (405) 521-2037 or [email protected] .