County Executive’s Office

Seeking the Next Poet Laureate
 

On April 23, 2013, The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of the post of San Mateo County Poet Laureate to elevate poetry into the consciousness of San Mateo County residents and to help celebrate the literary arts. Poet Laureates have amplified the role of poetry and the literary arts across the County

During their term, the Poet Laureate will serve as ambassador and advocate for poetry, literature and the arts throughout San Mateo County. The Poet Laureate is responsible for elevating poetry in our community, educating the public about the value of creative expression, inspiring diverse voices to emerge, creating new points of connection among residents in our county, and increasing access to our cultural resources. It is expected that the Poet Laureate will contribute to the County’s poetry and literary legacy through public readings, engaging programming, and participation in civic events. The Poet Laureate will create and lead a series of programs in the community. Past Poet Laureates include Aileen Cassinetto, Caroline Goodwin, and Lisa Rosenberg. You can learn more about the poets and their projects here.

Guidelines and Application Instructions

Application Open: November 12, 2024: APPLY HERE
Application Deadline: December 20, 2024, 11:59 PM

The Poet Laureate is a two-year position which includes a $5,000 yearly stipend. Up to $2,000 is available for programming over the two-year term. The Poet Laureate must be able to sign a contract with San Mateo County.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• The Poet Laureate must be 18 years or older.
• The Poet Laureate will be available to serve a two-year term, commencing Spring 2025 through December 2027.
• The Poet Laureate will be a San Mateo County resident of at least three (3) years.
• The Poet Laureate has published one or more collections of poetry which can include anthologies, chapbooks, and one (1) independently or self-published works that have appeared in print or online, and/or a 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 and the literary arts accessible and available to residents of the County.
• 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, and visits to community spaces.
• The Poet Laureate will be available to travel throughout San Mateo County.

DUTIES OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY POET LAUREATE

• The Poet Laureate will represent San Mateo County and the art of poetry through outreach activities related to poetry.
• The Poet Laureate will present appropriate works at a minimum of three (3) selected County-sponsored events during each year, including events involving youth, older adults, and other underserved communities.
• The Poet Laureate will present original poetry at the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meetings every quarter.
• The Poet Laureate will serve as a judge in the annual youth Poetry Out Loud competition.
• The Poet Laureate will propose and lead a community project throughout their term.

Applications will be considered for the post of San Mateo County Poet Laureate. Applications are open Apply here. The deadline for receipt of the application packet and supporting documents is December 20, 2024, 11:59 PM.

San Mateo County is committed to creating a strong, diverse environment while building a culture of equity and a deep sense of belonging. We are proud to present this equal opportunity call for County Poet Laureate to ensure that all people are empowered to voice their needs and manifest their aspirations. All qualified applications will receive consideration for the post without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, pregnancy, age, or veteran status.  We encourage women, people of color, people with disabilities and historically marginalized communities to apply.