Applications open for 2022 San Mateo County Poet Laureate

Published on October 03, 2022

San Mateo County is recruiting for the next Poet Laureate to elevate poetry into the consciousness of local residents and to help celebrate the literary arts. The Poet Laureate will be a two-year position which includes a $5,000 yearly stipend.

The Poet Laureate will act as ambassador and advocate for poetry, literature and the arts. It is expected that the Poet Laureate will contribute to the community through public readings and participation in civic events. The Poet Laureate will also propose and lead a community project.

Eligibility criteria

• The Poet Laureate must be 18 years or older.
• The Poet Laureate will be available to serve a two-year term, from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2024.
• The Poet Laureate will be a San Mateo County resident of at least three years
• The Poet Laureate has published one or more collections of poetry (excluding books that are self-published and/or published with a subsidy press that requires payment by the author), or substantial history of public spoken word performances.
• The Poet Laureate will have demonstrated a commitment to and passion for poetry and embrace the opportunity to engage in community service to make poetry more accessible and available.
• The Poet Laureate will articulate a willingness to serve as an ambassador for San Mateo County and to engage residents in poetry at public events through public readings, workshops, visiting schools and other means.
• The Poet Laureate will be available to travel throughout San Mateo County.

Applications are available online and open until 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2022. Applicants will need to register with Commongrantapplication.com to submit an application.