The City of Berkeley is currently accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Poet Laureate Pilot Program.
Donor Name: City of Berkeley
State: California
City: Berkeley
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: 09/01/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000
Grant Duration: 2 years
Details:
The Poet Laureate pilot program is a joint project of Berkeley Public Library and Civic Arts. Though the City’s first Poet Laureate was appointed by the administration in 2017, this is the first formalized, open selection process for the appointment.
The purpose of the Poet Laureate pilot program is to:
- champion Berkeley’s rich poetry, spoken word, and literary arts communities;
- honor a Berkeley poet to serve as a creative ambassador of the city;
- serve as an aesthetic voice and collaborator with the broader arts community;
- provide mentorship to burgeoning literary artists;
- and continue Berkeley’s historic tradition of Free Speech.
Funding Information
- The City of Berkeley Poet Laureate will receive a $10,000 honorarium for the two-year Service Term
- The full honorarium will be split into two payments. A $5,000 payment will be made to the appointee in January 2024, and another $5,000 payment will be made in January 2025.
Who is encouraged to apply?
Although not considered in the review process, individuals representing systemically marginalized identities, including but not limited to: Arab, MENASA (Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian); Asian; Black, African American; California Native American, Indigenous, Tribal; Disabled; Elders, Seniors; Latinx, Chicanx; LGBTQIA2S+; Low Income; Neuro-Divergent; Pacific Islander; People of Color; Trans and/or Non-Binary People; Immigrants (Documented and/or Undocumented), Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants; Unhoused; Unsheltered; Veterans; or Youth 18 years of age or older are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicant is an individual poet and not applying as a partnership, group, or collective
- Applicant’s current and primary residence is in the City of Berkeley
- Applicant is 18 years of age or older.
Service Requirements
All service requirements must be completed within the two-year Service Term (01/01/2024 – 12/31/2025)
- Produce one (1) original poem inspired by or related to Berkeley
- Coordinate at least one (1) public reading event per year (at least two—total—over two years)
- Recite a poem at up to five (5) City and/or Library events per year (up to 10—total—over two years)
- Meet Berkeley’s Youth Poet Laureate, with the goal of a continued mentorship
- Participate in a Civic Arts staff-coordinated video recording of original poetry
- Serve as a Selection Panelist for the next Poet Laureate selection process
- If applicable, provide mentorship to the Berkeley high schooler participating in the statewide Poetry Out Loud competition.
Ineligibility Criteria
- City of Berkeley employees employed at the time of the application or during any part of the Service Term
- Individuals who do not live in the City of Berkeley
- Organizational applicants (for example, festivals, nonprofit organizations, businesses, etc.)
For more information, visit City of Berkeley.
