Royal Oak Holding Competition For First Ever Artist Laureate

ROYAL OAK, MI — A new program in Royal Oak is spotlighting an outstanding artist.

The Royal Oak Commission for the Arts has announced that they are seeking the first ever Royal Oak Artist Laureate.

Artists of all disciplines including poetry, visual art, songwriting, performance art, metal working, and so many others, are encouraged to apply.

To qualify, the artist must be a Royal Oak resident. Artists can find further information and apply atwww.romi.gov/arts. The deadline is May 3, 2019 to submit application and proposals.

A laureate is an individual who is recognized for distinction and achievements within their field. This recognition comes in the form of an official appointment by a government body, in this case the City of Royal Oak.

The Royal Oak Artist Laureate program is designed to acknowledge and recognize the work and contributions for a local artist, organizers said. The selected artist will receive $5,000 of funding to prepare public art project and a year's commitment for exposure and community support for the work they do. In turn, the artist will be expected to represent the creative community at community events and complete a public art project.

“We can’t wait to see the proposals submitted by the artistic community here in Royal Oak,” said Jason Gittinger, Chair of the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts and Founder of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music. “While this is the inaugural year, I anticipate this program will grow to be a tremendous asset in our efforts to encourage and support our artists and connect them to our community each year. I know it will become a gem of a city program. We are extremely thankful for the leadership and vision of our city commission for this opportunity.”

The Royal Oak Commission for the Arts was created in 2012 to support arts and culture in the City of Royal Oak. The commission for the arts is responsible for events such as the Summer Concert Series, Art Explored, Public Piano Project and East 11 Mile Road Public Art Program.