[cid:image001.jpg@01D6F57E.63529810]<https://cityoftacoma.org/artsopps> Current and past Tacoma Poets Laureate pictured clockwise from top left: Abby E. Murray (2019-2021), Kellie Richardson (2017-2019), Thy Nguyễn (2015 - 2017), Lucas Smiraldo (2013-2015), Josie Emmons Turner (2011-2013), Tammy Robacker (2010-2011), Antonio Edwards, Jr. (2009-2010) and William Kupinse (2008-2009). CALL TO LITERARY ARTISTS 2021-2023 Tacoma Poet Laureate Application Deadline: February 1, 2021, 11:59 pm Stipend: $4,000 Additional Project Budget: $1,000 Apply: https://tacomaarts.submittable.com/submit OPPORTUNITY The Tacoma Arts Commission is accepting applications for the 2021-2023 Tacoma Poet Laureate position. Literary artists who are emerging, professional, or established artists producing poetry in any form, genre, or style are encouraged to apply. We will also consider writers who work in additional genres whose work intersects with poetry. The Poet Laureate will build community, amplify what is unique about Tacoma, and provide opportunities for people’s voices to be heard. The individual selected as Tacoma Poet Laureate will hold the title for two years - from May 2021 to April 2023 - and receive a stipend of $4,000. The Poet Laureate will have access to an additional project budget of up to $1,000 to help implement programming. The individual will actively contribute to and advance Tacoma’s literary community in meaningful ways through readings, performances, workshops, presentations, publications and/or special projects – whether in-person or virtually; participate in Tacoma Arts Month each October; and help produce the 2023 ceremony to announce the next Poet Laureate. The individual should actively strive to engage the breadth of Tacoma’s residents, expanding access to the literary arts to underserved/underrepresented audiences. The Poet Laureate is expected to determine the direction, focus, and appropriate public components for their term of service. Current Tacoma Poet Laureate Abby E. Murray will curate and host a free virtual poetry event at which the winner of this year's Poet Laureate competition will be officially awarded the title. The event date will be announced in early 2021. PRIORITIES The Tacoma Arts Commission is committed to investing in communities most impacted by racial, social, and economic inequity and working toward justice for all. The Tacoma Poet Laureate position will be prioritized for applicants with community engagement strategies that meet one or more of the following: * Strategies that primarily give voice to: * Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)/ African, Latinx, Arab, Asian, Native-American (ALAANA) communities * Economically or socio-economically marginalized communities * LGBTQIA+ communities * People with disabilities * Racial justice and/or social justice * Emergent community needs related to the global pandemic ELIGIBILITY * Applicant must live in Pierce County and be actively engaged in Tacoma’s creative community. * Applicant must be an active literary artist, dedicated to producing work on a regular basis. * Applicant must be 18 years or older. * Applicant cannot be a previous Tacoma Poet Laureate titleholder. * Applicant cannot be a current Tacoma Arts Commission member, City Council member, City of Tacoma staff member, or Tacoma Poet Laureate selection panel member. FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY For full information, read the application guidelines here<https://cityoftacoma.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/cms/cedd/TacomaCulture/Arts/TA_PL_21Application.pdf>. Applications must be submitted through the Tacoma Poet Laureate online application form at https://tacomaarts.submittable.com/submit. QUESTIONS? For questions or assistance, please email Chevi Chung at cchung1@cityoftacoma.org<mailto:cchung1@cityoftacoma.org> or call (253) 591-5171.