News Summary
The Arts & Culture Alliance in Knoxville is now accepting nominations for the Poet Laureate program, celebrating the city’s literary heritage. Established in 2016, this initiative honors local poets who enhance the community through their work. Eligible nominees must be at least 18 years old, reside in Knoxville, and have published at least one book of poetry. Nomination forms are available online, and the deadline for submissions is March 28 at 5 p.m. The selected Poet Laureate will receive a $3,000 honorarium.
Knoxville Seeks Creative Voices: Nominations Open for Poet Laureate
Hey, Knoxville! Exciting news is on the horizon for lovers of poetry and creativity in our vibrant city. The Arts & Culture Alliance is rolling out the red carpet for nominations for our very own Poet Laureate program, and it’s time for you to put on your thinking caps and get involved!
What’s the Deal with the Poet Laureate Program?
This fabulous initiative was set up back in 2016 by former Mayor Madeline Rogero, with a mission to celebrate Knoxville’s rich literary heritage. With a history filled with extraordinary literary figures, this program serves as a nod to the city’s deep-rooted connection to the written word. We’re talking about talents like George Washington Harris, Frances Hodgson Burnett, James Agee, Cormac McCarthy, and the legendary Nikki Giovanni. Every one of these authors has left a unique mark in literature, showcasing the amazing potential that stems from our town.
So, What Does a Poet Laureate Do?
If you’re selected as the Poet Laureate, you’ll hold the honorary title for a one-year term, with an option for a renewal for another year. Your responsibilities? Plenty! You’ll be busy crafting city-specific works, sparking excitement through literary outreach programs, and performing your poetic magic at a variety of civic events. Think of it as a year-long celebration where your words become part of the fabric of Knoxville!
Who Can Be Nominated?
Now that you’re all fired up, you might be wondering who can step into the spotlight. To qualify for nomination, candidates must be at least 18 years old, reside within the Knoxville city limits, and’ve published at least one book of poetry or a related body of work. Unfortunately, previous Poets Laureate are not eligible for re-nomination, and keep in mind, you can’t nominate yourself. So, if you know an inspiring poet in your midst, grab that nomination form!
The Selection Process
The process of selecting the Poet Laureate is quite exciting. A selection panel made up of individuals from the literary community will review all submitted nominations. They will dig deep into the entries and recommend a finalist to the mayor. It’s a big responsibility, and this panel will ensure that only the best is chosen to represent our poetic community!
A Little Something Extra
And here’s a sweet bonus! The selected Poet Laureate will receive a $3,000 annual honorarium. It’s a nice recognition of their talent and dedication to spreading the joy of poetry among us Knoxville residents.
How to Submit Nominations
Got someone in mind? Nominations are now being accepted, but make sure to have them in by 5 p.m. on March 28. You can submit nominations in person or by mail to the Arts & Culture Alliance. If you’re searching for the nomination form, it can be easily found online at KnoxAlliance.com/Poet. Feel free to reach out to the alliance via phone or email for any questions or more information; they’re more than happy to help out!
Final Thoughts
Knoxville, this is an opportunity for us to uplift the voices of those who bring creativity into our lives. So, think of the incredible poets you know, and don’t hesitate to put your nominations forward. Let’s make sure our city continues its proud tradition of literary excellence and celebrates the power of words that resonate in our hearts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Black History Month 2025 in Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Poet Laureate
- Inside of Knoxville: Black Atticus is Knoxville’s Fourth Poet Laureate
- Google Search: Knoxville poetry
- Farragut Press: Latest Happenings in Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Poetry
