Clark County is seeking candidates to serve as the fourth Clark County Poet Laureate who will be responsible for promoting poetry as an art form and as a means of engaging the community.
The two-year position was established by the Clark County Commission in 2014.
This is an honorary position with a stipend of $2500 and up to $7500 per year for programming paid in quarterly installments. The two-year term will begin June 1 and end May 31, 2023. The selected individual will be invited to initiate their own vision.
The following websites can be reviewed for a better understanding of past programs: Clark County NV and Poetry Promise.
To be considered for the position, candidates must reside in Clark County and be available for public activities throughout the 2-year term. Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by others with the candidate’s permission. In general, letters of recommendation from a community member helps create a strong application.
A diverse selection committee of county residents with expertise in poetry and literature will be appointed by the Department of Parks and Recreation to select the individual for the position. The Poet Laureate will be chosen based on quality of work, poetic achievement, perceived ability to advance poetry among the public, and an understanding of the public responsibility of the position.
The Poet Laureate will meet with a designated representative of Clark County Parks and Recreation to plan activities during the two-year term, including a monthly 30-minute Clark County TV segment and a monthly program at the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center.
The Poet Laureate must be able and willing to participate in public events and educational programs throughout the term of service.
Those interested must submit an e-mail with all the following information attached:
- A one-page statement detailing the understanding of the role of a Poet Laureate and how it would be fulfilled.
- Poetry resume (publications, notable poetry readings, and other relevant credits or accomplishments).
- A brief biography of the nominee.
- Up to ten pages of poetry.
- Optional: up to three letters of recommendation.
Only submissions with all information listed will be accepted for review. All items must be submitted in one e-mail.
The deadline is March 22 at 5 p.m. Applications not received by 5 p.m. March 22 will not be accepted.
All listed information needs to be submitted to Irma Varela at email: iiw@clarkcountynv.gov. "Clark County Poet Laureate" should be added to the subject line of the email. Questions may be directed to the e-mail addresses above or to Irma Varela at: 702-455-7340.
More information about the Clark County Poet Laureate Program can be found here.
