City of Greenville Inaugural Poet Laureate

The City of Greenville Arts in Public Places Committee (AIPPC) is requesting applications for the inaugural City Poet Laureate.  The Poet Laureate is an honorary position aimed at promoting literacy and literature among city residents of all ages. They will serve a two-year term and may be asked to read poetry or speak at public meetings (including City Council meetings), public venues, neighborhoods, community centers, schools and other public settings throughout the city of Greenville. 

The City of Greenville City Council will appoint the Poet Laureate following the recommendation of the AIPPC. The selected Poet Laureate will begin a two-year term of service on October 1, 2022 and will be asked to read poetry or speak at a minimum of five functions per year. 

TIMELINE  
Applications Live July 1 - 31, 2022
Applications Due July 31, 2022
AIPPC Review of Applications and Nomination August 2022
City Council Approval of Nomination September 2022
Two-Year Term Begins October 1, 2022
Poetry book sitting in the grass

Poet Laureate Qualifications & Expectations

Poet Laureate Qualifications

In order to be considered for the position, applicants must be:

  • a resident of Greenville County
  • at least 18 years old
  • an active poet with a well-established body of published and/or unpublished work
  • a person who is comfortable with public speaking and who has engaged in other areas of community involvement

POET LAUREATE expectations

Once nominated, the Poet Laureate would be expected to:

  • participate in a minimum of five City of Greenville supported events each year
  • participate in a minimum of four Community Center afterschool or summer camp programs using the art of poetry to enlighten, educate and inspire emerging generations (one per center / four total)
  • compose a minimum of one commemorative poem per year related to a theme or topic integral to the City of Greenville
  • demonstrate a commitment to assuming a public role in promoting an increased awareness of poetry
  • engage in a mentor relationship with selected City of Greenville Youth Poet Laureate

application information

Five poems, two short essays, one letter of recommendation and one video of you reading your poetry will be required as part of the application.

* The application is now closed.