The search for the city’s seventh poet laureate has commenced, with the Greater Sudbury Public Library announcing a call-out for applicants.
“Greater Sudbury’s poet laureate is a vital part of our community’s rich cultural fabric, embracing arts, literacy and heritage,” Mayor Brian Bigger said in a media release issued by the city.
“On behalf of all residents, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to outgoing poet laureate Vera Constantineau for championing poetry in the community and beyond our borders over the past two years.”
Constantineau, a published author from Copper Cliff who loves the short Japanese poetry forms of haiku and senryu, has been in the role since March 2020. She is Greater Sudbury’s sixth poet laureate, and followed Roger Nash, Daniel Aubin, Tom Leduc, Kim Fahner and Chloé LaDuchesse.
The new poet laureate is expected to be announced in March, and will require the recipient of the prestigious role to serve as an advocate for poetry, literacy and literature by initiating and participating in readings and other events throughout the community during their two-year term.
They receive an honorarium of $1,000 per term.
Applicants must be a published poet, recognized for their achievements, and active in the cultural and literary community, according to the city. Additional requirements include demonstrated leadership skills, public speaking ability and flexibility to carry out all duties required of the position in a manner that reflects English, French or Indigenous heritage.
A complete description of the position and details for applications are available online by clicking here. The closing date for applications for the 2022 to 2024 term is 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28.
