Clark County is seeking candidates to serve as the Clark County Poet Laureate, an honorary position with a stipend of $2500 and up to $7500 for programming per year. The Clark County Poet Laureate’s mission is to promote poetry as an art form and a medium for inspirational public commentary. The two-year position was established by the Clark County Commission. The two-year term will begin June 1, 2019.
A poet nominated for this position must reside in Clark County, be at least 18 years of age and be available for public activities throughout the term of service. A poet may be self-nominated or nominated by others.
Clark County Parks and Recreation (CCP&R) will facilitate the selection process. A diverse selection committee of five county residents with expertise in poetry and literature will select the Laureate. The Laureate will be chosen by the criteria of: quality of work, distinguished achievement, perceived ability to advance poetry among the public, and an understanding of the public responsibility of the position.
During the two-year term, the Poet Laureate will meet with a designated representative of CCP&R to plan activities. The Laureate shall represent and celebrate the diversity and history of Clark County throughout the term of service and will be asked to create poems highlighting the diversity of the people, places and traditions of Clark County. The Laureate shall be responsible for curating appropriate poets for a 5-minute segment on Clark County TV. This segment runs monthly.
A Nomination Packet must be submitted and completed. The packet must include the following items: professional resume, a biography (a page or less), work samples (multiple poems, may not exceed more than 10 pages), and publications credits, such as, anthologies: include title, publisher, editor, date of publication and poem titles, chapbooks/books: include title, publisher and date of publication, journals/magazines: include title, volume and number, date of publication and poem titles. The publication credits must not include prose writing, vanity press publication or any self-published work, or works appearing in publications for which nominee served as editor. Please note finalists may be asked for samples or copies of their published work. The packet must also include a list of public appearances (readings, slams, etc.), a list of accomplishments and contributions to poetry at large (2 page maximum and could include related professional or volunteer work, awards and honors), and a one-page statement of the role of Clark County Poet Laureate and how the nominee would fulfill this role. The packets must not be stapled or bound and items in the packet will not be returned. Optional: Up to three letters of recommendation.
The deadline is 5:00 pm, Friday, April 5, 2019, to either the mailing address or e-mail address below. Please note that neither is a postmark deadline. Applications not in County hands by 5:00 p.m. April 5, 2019 will not be accepted. No additions or corrections will be accepted after the deadline.
Mail Nomination Packets to:
Poet Laureate Nominations
Attn: Irma Varela
Winchester Dondero Cultural Center
3130 S. McLeod Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89120
Or email to: [email protected]
Those interested in the position can contact Winchester Dondero Cultural Center at (702) 455-7340, Irma Varela at the email address above.
You may also contact the current poet laureate, Vogue Robinson, at [email protected] or 702-706-2383 with questions about the position.