SW Connecticut News

Town of Westport issued the following announcement on March 28.

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC) has announced a search  for the town’s second Poet Laureate, whose 2-year term will begin on  July 1.

WAAC initiated the Town Poet Laureate position in 2019. The inaugural  Laureate, Diane Lowman, will have served a 3-year term on June 30,  extended a year due to the pandemic. During her tenure, Diane recited  and curated poetry at Town ceremonies and events, the schools, the  Center for Senior Activities, the Library and arts events. Early in the  pandemic, she launched a lawn sign campaign with haikus and images, to  help raise spirits in town.

Ms. Lowman stated, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve  Westport as Poet Laureate. My time in the position has only strengthened  my conviction about the breadth and depth of kindness and creativity in  this community. I hope I have given back even a fraction of the joy  that this experience has brought to me.”

The Town of Westport Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for both  the town and the literary form, helping to celebrate and continue the  town’s vibrant literary history. The First Selectwoman’s office appoints  the Poet Laureate; WAAC administers the program.

The Poet Laureate’s objectives include, but are not limited, to:  

• Promote poetry as a form of communication, inspiration, and entertainment for local residents.
•     
• Participate in the Connecticut Poet Laureate group to create and participate in programs throughout the state.
•     
• Expand access to and create connection through poetry.
•     
• Elevate awareness of and appreciation for all forms of poetry.
•     
• Advocate for poetry, literature, and the arts. 
•     
• Contribute to the town’s literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.

Candidates should be 21 years of age or older, live in Westport, and  have a wide range of relevant knowledge and experience. They must be  comfortable with public speaking and willing to work collaboratively  with the town school district, library, and other cultural organizations to develop and present poetry-related activities and events. The  candidate must have adequate time and flexibility to complete these and other requirements of the position. The Town of Westport Poet Laureate  is an honorary, non-compensated two-year position. 

For more information and the application packet, please visit: https://www.westportarts.org. Direct inquiries to waac@westportct.gov with the subject line POET.

The deadline for submitting applications and supporting materials is  Friday, April 15. A committee made up of representatives from the Westport Schools, the Westport Library, and WAAC will review the  applications and interview finalists as part of the selection process.  The new Poet Laureate will be announced on June 1. 

Westport Arts Advisory Committee was established by the RTM in 1997;  its members are appointed by the First Selectwoman. WAAC is committed to  increasing public awareness of all of Westport’s artists, arts  organizations and cultural resources.

Original source can be found here.