Stratford launching Poet Laureate program

The city is once again showcasing its artistic bent by launching a new poet laureate program in conjunction with the public library and Destination Stratford.

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Starting Dec. 2, Stratford residents aged 25 and older can apply to be the city’s poet laureate for a three-year period while youth aged 14 to 24 can apply to be the youth poet laureate for a one-year term.

“Given our incredible cultural heritage, it was surprising that Stratford didn’t already have a poet laureate in place,” Zac Gribble, the executive director of Destination Stratford, said in an email.

“We are delighted to partner with the Stratford Public Library and collaborate with the city and council to introduce the Stratford Poet Laureate Pilot Program. It’s a great example of a meaningful, community-centered initiative that flows beautifully from the Municipal Cultural Plan,” Gribble added.

Those selected will serve as an ambassador for poetry, literature, spoken word, oral history, music and the performing arts. According to a council staff report presented this week, the program aims “to preserve and share unique Stratford and area stories that shape our community both now and in the future”

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The poet laureate will be expected to produce at least three original works for specific events or occasions identified by the organizing committee each year, collaborate with the library on at least one literary event each year, and mentor the youth laureate. The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $2,500 per year.

The youth poet laureate, who will receive a $1,000 honorarium, will be expected to produce at least two original works each year, and also work with the library on a youth literary event each year. The program will be funded by Destination Stratford.

Local poet David Stoneswho has been involved with the discussions on the new program, was supportive of this new cultural program

“I think because of that word-compression issue, poets can drive to a point very quickly. They can bring a lot of emotion and feeling and support for municipal issues. . . so I believe in the concept (of poet laureates) absolutely,” Stones said.

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For young poets looking to begin their own literary journeys, Stones’ first piece of advice is too “read, read, read.”

“Every writer will tell you that the more you read, the more you learn, the more your imagination gets whetted. So read lots of poetry and, of course, write lots of poetry. Even the bad stuff is necessary. Sometimes, on some days, it’s necessary to write the bad stuff to get to the wheat, and you get rid of the chaff,” he said.

To apply, a resident must:

• Be nominated or self-nominate (apply) to serve in the role
• Have a defined connection to Stratford and area.
• Be a poet, spoken word artist or storyteller with an established or developing body of work.
• Have a keen interest in poetry or storytelling, and the literary and performing arts.
• Be able to be an ambassador for literacy, poetry, storytelling, writers, spoken word artists, and the literary and performing arts.

The application process includes providing work samples – not more than six pages in total and no more than one poem per page – a resume or CV, and three reference letters. More information on the program and the application form can be found at visitstratford.ca/stratford-poet-laureate. Applications will be received until Jan 10.

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