N.C. Poet Laureate Job Description
The North Carolina poet laureate acts as an ambassador of N.C. literature, using the office as a platform from which to promote N.C. writers and the potentially transformative qualities of poetry and the written word.
While each poet laureate shapes the position in his or her own way, duties typically include public activities with schools, community groups, and the press during the year and contact with writers and readers by mail, email and/or through a website.
He or she will have the opportunity to design a long-term project or program of special interest, using the resources of the N.C. Arts Council and other potential partners. From time to time the poet laureate may be called upon to write a poem commemorating an occasion of historic and/or cultural importance.
Selection Criteria
- A North Carolinian with deep connections to the cultural life of this state
- Literary excellence of the writer's work
- Influence on other writers
- An appreciation of literature in its diversity throughout the state.
- Statewide, national or international reputation
- Ability and willingness to conduct the public engagement duties of the office
Poets laureate serve two-year terms. After a public nomination period, a selection committee meets to review nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Governor then announces the new poet laureate. The next round of nominations will open in spring, 2014.
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