Calling all poets: Gloucester seeks a new laureate
By Times staffMore than three months after the death of Gloucester Poet Laureate Vincent Ferrini, the city is formally seeking a successor.
The city, through its Committee for the Arts, is accepting applications for the poet laureate's designation. Application packets can be obtained at Gloucester City Hall, Sawyer Free Library, and are available on the city's Web site, www.ci.gloucester.ma.us. Deadline for applications is April 15.
Applicants for the honor must be at least 21 years of age, and have resided in the city for a minimum of one year prior to application.
In addition, the city's poet laureate must display a strong commitment to the community and be active as a published poet, as well as be an advocate for poetry, language, and the arts.
The poet laureate also assists all poets by increasing the reading, writing, and publishing of this art for the greater enjoyment and appreciation of the craft in the city and the region. Rockport also has a formal poet laureate designee.
The activities of the poet laureate are directed toward all generations and segments of our society, according to the city's Committee for the Arts announcement. The naming of poet laureate covers a term of two years from the date of appointment, and service may be for two terms upon reapplication and approval.
The completed application, curriculum vitae or resume, and three complete poems of three pages or less must be mailed or delivered to: The Committee for the Arts/Poet Laureate, Mayor's Office, City Hall, 9 Dale Ave., Gloucester MA 01930.
