City of Rochester searching for new Poet Laureate

(ABC 6 News) – The City of Rochester is accepting applications for a new Poet Laureate.

Rochester’s Poet Laureate was established to promote appreciation for poetry and the language arts. The Poet Laureate works with cultural, educational and other organizations to encourage the public to enjoy and express poetic and literary creativity. These goals are accomplished via public appearances, readings, workshops, and other public displays of poetry.

Applicants must be willing to commit to serving a four-year (preferred) or two-year term, and to create, encourage, and share poetry in the community. Additionally, the Poet Laureate will participate in an inaugural reading and will help organize at least four additional community events during the term.

Any interested local poet can submit an application until Feb. 28, 2023. The new Poet Laureate will be appointed in April 2023 by Mayor Kim Norton.

Rochester’s first Poet Laureate, Jane Belau, was appointed by Mayor Brede in April 2012 and Mayor Norton appointed Susan McMillan in March 2019.

Application materials and additional information can be requested by emailing Southeastern Minnesota Poets at poets.semn@gmail.com or by clicking HERE.