Got A Flair For Poetry? Arlington Seeks Next Poet Laureate

ARLINGTON, VA -- Do you have a way with words? Arlington County is looking for someone to fill the 2020-2022 term as its official Poet Laureate, according to a press release. The Poet Laureate will advocate for poetry and the literary arts, as well represent the county's commitment to fostering a creative environment in the community.

“Poetry is a dynamic form, taking the language of its time and pushing its expressive limits. And social media is changing the way we use language,” said Michelle Isabelle-Stark, director of the Cultural Affairs division of Arlington Economic Development, in the release. “It’s now easier than ever to write and share poems. Our new Poet Laureate will work with our community to awaken the poet in all of us.”

Arlington Arts and Arlington Libraries are accepting submissions up to the final deadline of March 24, by 5 p.m. Applicants must be 18 or older and residents of the county at the time of application and through the two-year appointment. Applicants must also demonstrate a history of publishing and/or presenting original poetry in a variety of publications, either print or online. Arlington County Board members, county staff and Commission members are prohibited from applying. Former Poet Laureates may reapply, provided they've completed one term out of office. Full application details are available online.

Staff from Arlington Public Libraries and Arlington Cultural Affairs will review all the applications for eligibility. A panel of judges made up of staff, literary professionals and poets from across the region will review the applications and choose three to four candidates. Each candidate will be interviewed prior to the final selection being made.

Duties of the Poet Laureate include:

• Write at least two poems a year that reflect Arlington County priorities, such as diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Present these poems at public readings, such as Arlington County's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration or 9/11 Memorial Service.
• Contribute one poem and act as a juror for Arlington County's Moving Words Poetry competition.
• Working alongside Arlington Public Libraries and Arlington Cultural Affairs staff, facilitate community engagement programs involving the literary arts and poetry