Medford Accepting Applications For Next Poet Laureate

The City, in partnership with the Medford Arts Council, is currently seeking applicants to fill the position of Poet Laureate, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced. The Medford Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term from July 2023 to June 2025 and will receive a $2,000 stipend each year.

The City of Medford Poet Laureate, acting as the official City poet, will highlight poets and poetry, and literature, particularly working with community members who may traditionally have less access to poetry. Working with the City Administration and the Medford Arts Council, the Poet Laureate will strive to increase access to senior citizens, youth, and non-English speakers across various platforms.

“I am excited to see a different perspective that the new Poet Laureate will bring to our community and thank our current and first-ever Poet Laureate Terry E. Carter for his passion and dedication over the past two years,” said Mayor Lungo-Koehn. “I hope that whoever holds this position next will continue to be a source of creativity, inspiration, and promote accessibility to this art.”

Applicants must be Medford residents or must present strong evidence of positive contributions to the Medford community. Applicants of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through this link. Be prepared to submit the following:

1. A letter of intent including your proposals for expanding access to poetry within the City of Medford
2. A resume
3. Examples of original poetry
4. Proof of residency or evidence of contributions to the City of Medford, including letters of recommendation

If you need to send the materials via mail or deliver in person: Attn Steve Smirti, Room 202, Medford City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155.

Application materials are due by April 24.

Selection Criteria + Evaluation Process

A selection committee that includes the Mayor, City staff, and representatives from the Medford Arts Council will review applications and select a finalist for the Poet Laureate position.

The Poet Laureate will be reviewed and chosen based on the following criteria:

• Quality of original poetry;
• A proposed plan for working with the community (i.e. youth, seniors, non-English speakers);
• Professional achievement in poetry and/or proof of publication of past work;
• Past work or volunteerism within the Medford community.

For more information, contact Steve Smirti at ssmirti@medford-ma.gov.

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