Media Contact:
Maryl Fleisher, Marketing Manager
Glendale Library, Arts & Culture
222 East Harvard Street, Glendale CA 91205
(818) 937-7806 / mfleisher@glendaleca.gov
Glendale Recruits for First Poet Laureate
GLENDALE, CA— Following a grassroots call from a citizen of Glendale, the request of Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, and the approval of the City Council, Glendale Library, Arts & Culture has created the City’s first Poet Laureate Program. The selected Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for Glendale’s rich culture and diversity, promoting the art of poetry.
Applicants for the post must submit examples of their work, and the selected Poet Laureate will receive a $5,000 stipend for one year. During that time, the Poet Laureate will be asked to develop a project that engages community members of all ages in poetry writing, spoken word performance, and/or poetry appreciation. The Poet Laureate will also write a poem that celebrates Glendale’s rich culture and diversity and read poetry aloud at special events throughout the City.
“Glendale is located in the heart of the creative capital of the world from visual and performing arts to the written word and everything in between!” said Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. “Recognizing the talents of our residents who call our great city their home and designating one of them each year as Glendale’s Poet Laureate helps celebrate our creative diversity and helps highlight everyone who supports the arts.”
The selection panel will include Arts & Culture Commissioner Sevana Zadorian, Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, Poet and Founder of The Los Angeles Press Linda Ravenswood, and Poet and Instructor at Glendale Community College Julie Gamberg.
Qualified poets are individuals over 18 years of age who reside in Glendale, have a history of publishing and/or performing poetry, have experience with teaching, public speaking, and/or community service, and can commit to serving in the role for at least one year. Individuals from historically untapped communities (such as Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA+) are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted by January 20, 2023. Details on how to apply are available at https://glac.info/PoetLaureate.
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About Glendale
Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of more than 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks, and easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking.
About Library, Arts & Culture
Founded in 1907, the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department includes eight neighborhood libraries including the Brand Library & Art Center, a regional visual arts and music library and performance venue housed in the historic 1904 mansion of Glendale pioneer Leslie C. Brand, and the Central Library, a 93,000 square foot center for individuals and groups to convene, collaborate and create. The department also serves as the chief liaison to the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission which works to continually transform Glendale into an ever-evolving arts destination. Glendale Library Arts & Culture is supported in part through the efforts of the Glendale Library Arts & Culture Trust. For more information visit GlendaleLAC.org, or contact Library, Arts & Culture at 818-548-2021 or via email at LibraryInfo@glendaleca.gov.
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