The city of New Westminster is beginning the process of finding its fifth poet laureate and is looking for a voice that highlights the area’s diversity.
The chosen poet will fill the post from 2021 to 2023, and they will serve as a literary ambassador for the city. A report to the city council recommended considering candidates from historically disadvantaged groups and artists who have a strong connection to the New Westminster community.
The city will be hoping to tap into the Vancouver area’s grassroots poetry and literary scene. Poets working in non-traditional genres, like spoken world, will receive consideration. Today, poetry often takes many Forms and is supported through local readings, chapbooks from accessible printing services and online Journals.
The new poet laureate will be taking over from Alan Hill, who currently holds the post. A New West resident, Hill is the co-manager of the Poetry New West reading circuit and has had his work published in prestigious periodicals like Canadian Literature and the Antigonish Review.
As part of his service, Hill is putting together a legacy project – a collection of poems from New Westminster writers designed to create a poetic geography of the city. Prior to Hill, the post was filled by Candice James, Don Benson and Edna Anderson. The upcoming poet laureate will be expected to create their own legacy project during their tenure.
New Westminster will officially launch its search for its fifth poet laureate in the months to come, with the position being filled before the end of the year.
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