(AAPNW) – Nominations for Indiana Poet Laureate are being enlisted by the Indiana Arts Commission, to be submitted by email only by Monday, November 1, no later than 5:00 pm to Susan Britsch at: sbritsch@iac.in.gov. The Poet Laureate represents the State of Indiana and the art of poetry through the development and implementation of programming to the education community and general public, including making formal presentations at various educational facilities and events, and offers advice to the Commission regarding ways to further the art of poetry.
Submissions should be limited to one, single-page cover letter and a resume or CV detailing the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments. No additional materials should be included with the initial nomination. Successful nominees must be current residents of Indiana and remain residents during their two-year term of service as State Poet Laureate. Nominees should be published poets, with experience in educational program development.
The committee will begin review of the nominations during the winter, which consist of representatives from University of Notre Dame, Ball State University, Hanover College, DePauw University, University of Indianapolis, Indiana University, and Indiana State University.
In 2005, influenced by the awareness of poetry and the power of the written and spoken word, Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law the legislation that provides for the development of specific educational programming. The program is coordinated among the Indiana Arts Commission, the Indiana Department of Education, and the State Poet Laureate.