IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.


Subscribe for e-mail updates
Print This Page Rate This Page Suggest a Link E-mail This Page HELP Find a Person Find an Agency

poet_banner_big

Poet Laureate News

Nominations for a new State Poet Laureate are now being accepted!

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is now accepting nominations for the Indiana State Poet Laureate.  The poet selected will represent the State of Indiana and the art of poetry through the development and implementation of programming to the education community and general public. The Poet Laureate makes formal presentations at various educational facilities and offers advice to the Commission concerning ways to further the art of poetry in Indiana.

Nominations should be limited to one, single-page cover letter and a resume detailing the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments.

Nominations may be submitted by mail or electronically to the Indiana Arts Commission no later than February 15, 2008. Nominations should be sent to the attention of Susan Britsch, Indiana Arts Commission, 150 W. Market Street, Suite 618, Indianapolis, Indiana  46204.

All nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from Indiana University, Ball State, Purdue, Valparaiso, DePauw, ISU, Butler, and the University of Southern Indiana. The committee will recommend final candidates to the Commission. The Commission will review the recommendations and select one candidate for appointment as Poet Laureate. The two-year term of the Poet Laureate begins upon Commission ratification and will run through the 2010 calendar year.

Increasing the awareness of poetry and the power of written and spoken verse was the inspiration for legislation signed into law in 2005 by Governor Mitch Daniels. Sponsored by Sen. Teresa Lubbers (R-Indianapolis) and Earline Rogers (D-Gary), the Poet Laureate legislation provides for the development of specific educational programming coordinated between the Indiana Arts Commission, the Indiana Department of Education, and the State Poet Laureate.

Joyce Brinkman was the first State Poet Laureate chosen to direct this program. During her two-year term, Ms. Brinkman not only hosted several public and in-school poetry programs and activities, she also coordinated Sporting Words, the 2007 National Gathering of State Poets Laureate.