For Immediate Release: July 25, 2008 CONTACT:  Josephine Jones, Director of Programs, Colorado Humanities 303.894.7951 x15, jones@coloradohumanities.org   Nominations sought for Colorado Poet Laureate

DENVER (July 25, 2008) Nominations are now being accepted for the position of Colorado Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate position was created to promote an appreciation of poetry in Colorado and to honor outstanding Colorado poets.

The Poet Laureate will serve as an active advocate for poetry, literacy and literature by participating in readings and other events at venues such as schools, libraries, literary festivals and the State Capitol. The Poet Laureate will also provide the Governor with an annual account of the impact and success of the Colorado Poet Laureate program.

The selection of Poet Laureate will be based on artistic excellence, a demonstrated history of community service in the advancement of poetry and the ability to present poetry effectively. A review panel will be convened to review nominations and make recommendations to the Governor, who will make the final selection. The Poet Laureate chosen by the Governor will serve a four-year term beginning January 1, 2009.

Any organization or individual in the state of Colorado may make nominations. Self-Nominations are allowed. The Colorado Poet Laureate must be a legal, full-time Colorado resident for at least three years prior to the application deadline. The Poet Laureate must also remain a resident of Colorado during the term of office and must pass a standard background check. Nominations must be postmarked by U.S. Postal Service or other mail carrier or hand delivered no later than October 1, 2008 to: Colorado Center for the Book, Colorado Humanities, 1490 Lafayette Street, Suite 101, Denver, CO 80218, Attention: Poet Laureate.

Colorado became one of the first states to have a Poet Laureate when Governor Oliver Shoup appointed Alice Polk Hill in 1919. Since then five other people have served: Nellie Burget Miller (1923-1952); Margaret Clyde Robertson (1952-1954); Milford E. Shields (1954); Thomas Hornsby Ferril (1979 – 1988); Mary Crow (1996-present).  

Colorado Humanities and the Colorado Council on the Arts will supply the Poet Laureate with $2,000 each annually to cover travel expenses related to public presentations.

To obtain a nomination form or for detailed information about nominations, please visit www.coloradohumanities.org.

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