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Poets Laureate of Sunland Tujunga
As the poet represents the community, he/she should be a person of good character and one with a track record of contributing to the betterment of our community. We seek a person whose life and works reflect a love of our area which includes the flora, fauna, mountains, creeks and our diverse human community. This is a person who is the voice of our community, a cheerleader, a person whose words give wings to the heart of Sunland and Tujunga. During his/her term in office the Poet Laureate is encouraged to publish a collection of his or her works, as in a chapbook, for historical documentation.Those who choose the Poet Laureate are people with extensive knowledge of the community, educators, and those involved in arts and literature. At present, the Committee consists of representatives of Village Poets of Sunland Tujunga, Little Landers Historical Society, and the McGroarty Arts Center. Names of those judges may be presented upon request.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS1) All applicants must be at least 18 years old and active members of the local poetry community. The candidates should be residents of the Foothills, from Lake View Terrace to La Canada Flintridge, inclusive of Sunland, Tujunga, Shadow Hills, La Crescenta and Montrose. They must show a history of active interest in the local community and will be expected to actively engage with the community activities of Village Poets. 2) All applicants must be able to demonstrate an active participation in poetry activities through publication and/or featured poetry readings. 3) The applicants must agree to serve as Poet Laureate for a term of two years, including volunteer activities, poetry readings, publications, and other projects contributing to the promotion of poetry and the arts in the community. 4) The Poet-Laureate of Sunland Tujunga must commit himself/herself to attending the Passing of the Laurels Ceremony on April 23, 2017,
as well as a similar ceremony at the end of the term in office, in April 2019. The Poet-Laureate must also demonstrate an engagement with the local poetry
community by attending at least six of the eleven monthly readings organized each year by Village Poets in Tujunga, CA.
Please download, print and return the attached application form (PDF): Application 2020. Attach the following: 1. List of publications and featured readings2. Sample of poetry (approx. five poems, with two about Sunland-Tujunga) 3. History of community service. 4. One paragraph discussing a favorite poet. 5. One paragraph describing how you as Poet Laureate would promote poetry. Submit the Application form with a sample of poems, other items 1-5 from the above list and a check for $15.00 made out to Little Landers Historical Society (LLHS, with Village Poets of Sunland Tujunga noted on the check), and send the package to: Poet Laureate Selection Committee, c/o Maja Trochimczyk, P.O. Box 4288, Sunland, CA 91041-4288. If you have questions regarding the Poet Laureate program email Maja Trochimczyk, at maja@moonrisepress.com. Please check our website www.villagepoets.com or our blog villagepoets.blogspot.com for further poetry information.
Becoming Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga is not only a great honor it is a commitment to the community.
The Poet Laureate is expected to use his or her talents and means to make the community more aware of poetry.
While there are no specified duties that are assigned, the Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga is expected to hold a
reasonable public presence in the community and actively participate in the local poetry readings, including the attendance at at least
six out of eleven monthly Village Poets readings in Tujunga, as well as some Wide Open readings at the Sunland Tujunga Library.
Each Poet Laureate provides community service according to his or her special skills.
In the past, Sunland-Tujunga Laureates have read poetry at community events and public schools; they have also written commemorative poems and created programs for the Arts, given speeches and readings.
Each Laureate has produced at least one book during his or her term in office.
(C) 2013-19 by Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga. |