The Township of Scugog is currently seeking a Poet Laureate, commencing September 1, 2023, for a four-year term.
The role of a Poet Laureate is to reflect the life of a community through readings and a celebration of poetry. As an ambassador for the literary arts, the Poet Laureate incorporates poetry into a range of official community activities. A Poet Laureate is an honorary designation that recognizes their talents and literary contributions. The Scugog Poet Laureate position also affords the poet a platform for acting as a literary ambassador for our community and works to educate, create, and promote poetry. The Poet Laureate will receive an honorarium of $500 per annum for each year of their term.
The Scugog Poet Laureate will participate in select community events such as: Remembrance Day, the Mayor’s Gala, Canada Day, Council Investiture, Unveilings, Grant Recognition Ceremonies; Good Friday Walk, Dedications, and new community acquisitions such as the CT scanner for our hospital. The Poet Laureate will read from their original works that reflect and help to elevate the occasion.
The Scugog Poet Laureate will be appointed by a committee consisting of representatives from the local arts community and the Township of Scugog.
The successful candidate will serve a four-year term. They will fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Assume the role of literary ambassador for the Township of Scugog, both within and outside of our community;
- Produce at least one original work of poetry each year of their term (retaining intellectual property rights);
- Appear and present a minimum of four works of significance to the community:
- At least once per year in front of Scugog Council;
- At least once per year at a Scugog-sponsored event;
- At a minimum of two Scugog official functions per year;
- Use their title as Scugog Poet Laureate in any literary festival or professional event they participate in.
The Poet Laureate candidate must:
- Be 18 years or older;
- Reside in Durham Region (preference given to Scugog candidates);
- Have published works in recognized journals or magazines;
- Have presented their works at public events or forums;
- Achieved excellence in their practice or be recognized by their peers;
- Submit an application letter and a portfolio including a representative selection (minimum three, maximum six compositions) of their work;
- Take part in a finalist interview which will include an oral reading of a sample of their work (short-listed candidates only).
We encourage diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our process. In addition, accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations.
Please deliver a hard copy application letter and portfolio pieces to: Scugog Arts no later than June 30, 2023, by 12 p.m., 175B Queen Street, Port Perry, ON.