Ohio Poet Laureate Program

BACKGROUND:

In 2014, Governor John R. Kasich signed into law the creation of an Ohio Poet Laureate. Beginning April 20, 2015, nominations will be accepted for this position for the first time. All nominations, including self-nominations, should be submitted to OhioPoetLaureate@oac.state.oh.us.

OVERVIEW:

The Ohio Poet Laureate has the opportunity to foster the art of poetry, encourage literacy and learning, address central issues relating to the humanities and heritage, and encourage the reading and writing of poetry across the state. Upon invitation, the Ohio Poet Laureate will provide a minimum of ten public readings/events per year in urban and rural settings across the state that educate students, community members, and business, state, and civic leaders about the value and importance of poetry and creative expression.

The Ohio Poet Laureate will be expected to undertake a significant cultural project during his or her term, such as bringing poetry to people or to a region of the state that might otherwise be underserved in this regard. The Ohio Poet Laureate will engage a variety of constituencies, enriching the lives of residents by sharing and promoting poetry through public appearances, readings, workshops, and digital and social media.

Nomination Deadline: May 20, 2015 at 5 p.m.

Term of Service

Each Ohio Poet Laureate shall serve a two-year term. The inaugural Ohio Poet Laureate's term shall begin on January 1, 2016, and end on December 31, 2017.

Expectations of the Position

The Ohio Poet Laureate is expected to:

• contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry throughout the state
• provide a minimum of ten public readings/events per year in urban and rural settings across the state
• plan and/or attend statewide literary events and educational programs
• promote poetry and the Ohio Poet Laureate position via social media
• prepare and provide a written report of activities each quarter, or upon request, to the Ohio Arts Council
• participate in the Ohio Arts Council's Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Poetry Out Loud programs, upon request
• assist in the transition of the succeeding Ohio Poet Laureate

Who May Apply

The Ohio Arts Council encourages all eligible candidates to self-nominate and for other members of the public to nominate eligible candidates. The Ohio Arts Council complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights. The Ohio Arts Council programs, grants, and employment practices are free of discrimination based on race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, military status, or age.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES

All Ohio Poet Laureate nominees must:

• be at least 18 years of age at the time of nomination
• have been an Ohio resident for at least three years prior to the nomination deadline
• remain an Ohio resident throughout the Ohio Poet Laureate two-year term
• be able and available to reach statewide audiences through travel or other means
• provide evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, including a significant body of publicly accessible work (books, literary magazines, and/or digital media)
• have received significant recognition or awards for contributions to poetry
• demonstrate excellence in promoting awareness or enjoyment of poetry
• agree to the conditions and term of appointment

Nomination Requirements

The following five items are required as part of each nomination, which must be submitted via email:

1. A completed nomination form.
2. A work sample, not to exceed 20 pages. The work sample must include a cover sheet with name and a list of poetry titles and content. The work sample may contain information that indicates where the poem has been published or performed or if it has received any awards for merit.
3. A résumé or curriculum vitae, not to exceed four (4) pages.
4. A narrative, not to exceed two (2) pages, describing what the nominee would hope to accomplish during the two years as Ohio Poet Laureate, including ideas for any special projects related to the position.
5. Supplementary materials, not to exceed two (2) pages, including excerpts from published book reviews, judges' comments, or other critical writings that help contextualize the poet's work. Note: Recommendation letters are not appropriate and will not be considered.

How to Submit a Nomination

Completed nominations must be submitted via e-mail to the Ohio Arts Council at OhioPoetLaureate@oac.state.oh.us. Hard copy nominations will not be accepted.

In order to be considered, nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on May 20, 2015.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. The Ohio Poet Laureate Committee, as seated by the Ohio Arts Council Board, will review all submitted nominations and select at least three (3) semi-finalists.
2. Each semi-finalist will be interviewed in person by the Ohio Poet Laureate Selection Committee (or subcommittee), which will make recommendations to the Governor of Ohio.
3. The Ohio Governor will select the Ohio Poet Laureate.
4. The Ohio Poet Laureate will be notified when the Governor's decision has been made.

RECOGNITION

• The Governor, or his/her designee, along with the Ohio Arts Council, will announce the Ohio Poet Laureate at a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse, or other selected venue, in January.
• The Ohio Arts Council will support the Ohio Poet Laureate in generating media coverage related to events, activities, and performances during his/her term.
• The Ohio Poet Laureate will be awarded a stipend each year commenserate with the amount of travel and number of public engagements for which he/she is involved. This stipend helps to defray travel expenses and serves to acknowledge and recognize the Ohio Poet Laureate’s time and talents.

TIMELINE