Gov. announces applications open for next Poet Laureate of Kansas

Workplace of Gov.

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has introduced that functions are open for the following Poet Laureate of Kansas. The Poet Laureate of Kansas is an honorary place designed to advertise the studying and writing of poetry all through the state and is sponsored by way of the Kansas Artistic Arts Industries Fee (KCAIC). The present Kansas Poet Laureate is Huascar Medina, a poet, author, and performer based mostly in Topeka. 

“By preserving the legacy of the generations that got here earlier than us, inspiring artists of the longer term, and driving group and financial improvement, the Kansas Poet Laureate program is a shining instance of the worth of supporting native and statewide arts,” mentioned Governor Kelly. “I encourage poets throughout the state to use to be the eighth Poet Laureate of Kansas.”  

The Kansas Poet Laureate will serve a time period of 4 years starting January 1, 2023, and can contribute to the expansion and consciousness of poetry by presenting their very own work and the work of others at public occasions, readings, workshops, and lectures all through the state. 

“The humanities assist deliver our communities along with tales and experiences that spotlight our uniqueness, skills and presents,” mentioned Lieutenant Governor David Toland. “It has been nice to see the return of the Poet Laureate program by way of the skills of present Poet Laureate Huascar Medina and I’m excited to see this program proceed to develop.” 

Medina has been busy presenting his program, Might Our Voices Ring True, throughout the state for the reason that program returned to KCAIC in 2021. He at the moment works as a contract copywriter and because the Literary Editor for seveneightfive journal publishing tales that highlight literary and creative occasions in Northeast Kansas. Within the fall of 2021, Medina was confirmed as a member of the Nationwide Council on the Arts. 

“It has been an honor to function the seventh Poet Laureate of Kansas,” Medina mentioned. “With every new laureate, the Poet Laureate of Kansas program grows in goal, standing and performance. Now we have a robust legacy of phrases in Kansas, and that custom will proceed with the eighth Poet Laureate. To the following Kansas Poet Laureate, I say: Might you discover the phrases and will your phrases discover others.” 

Past sharing poetry throughout the state, the Poet Laureate participates within the annual Poetry Out Loud competitors for highschool college students and assists with strengthening and increasing the literary arts ecosystem in Kansas. Utilizing the Poet Laureate programming is freed from cost to all Kansas non-profit organizations. 

To be thought-about, candidates should submit a whole software by Tuesday, September 6. The Poet Laureate of Kansas Choice Committee will evaluate all submitted functions and choose semi-finalists that shall be required to provide a public presentation. The brand new Poet Laureate of Kansas shall be introduced in October.  

To study extra concerning the Poet Laureate Program and to entry the applying, go to the Poet Laureate web page on the Kansas Division of Commerce web site.