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Nanaimo will now have a Youth Poet Laureate

Nanaimo expands its Poet Laureate program with a Youth Poet Laureate.

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed June 16, 2016 1:00 PM

Summary

On Monday June 13th, 2016, City Council approved the establishment of Nanaimo's inaugural Youth Poet Laureate.

The purpose of a Youth Poet Laureate will be to serve as a “young people’s poet” and to raise awareness of poetry and the literary arts, and the positive impact literature and poetry can have on community life.

The Youth Poet Laureate will pave the way for youth to engage on a civic level with the community through their artistic voice. Mentored by the Poet Laureate, the Youth Poet Laureate will present original work to the City and the community through a variety of civic events. The selected poet will also have the opportunity to organize community-based youth poetry projects or events.

A call for the Youth Poet Laureate will be made in July, 2016 with the selection for Nanaimo's Youth Poet Laureate being made at the end of October, 2016.

Link to Strategic Plan: Establishing a Youth Poet Laureate program will ensure that Nanaimo has a strong and vibrant culture which evolves with a coordinated and collaborative effort leading to greater popularity as a place to visit, live, work and play furthering the goals of the Cultural Vitality pillar of the Strategic Plan.

Key Points

  • On Monday June 13th, 2016, City Council approved the establishment of Nanaimo's inaugural Youth Poet Laureate.
  • The Youth Poet Laureate will have the ability to engage hundreds of youth and encourage participation on a civic level through their artistic voice.
  • A call for the Youth Poet Laureate will be made in July, 2016.

Quotes

"The Youth Poet Laureate will have the opportunity to encourage peer to peer education and inspiration through projects and events. This is an exciting opportunity for the many artisitc youth in our community."

Chris Barfoot
Culture and Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • In 2013, Council approved the Poet Laureate program for the City of Nanaimo and in 2014, Naomi Beth Wakan, was selected as the inaugural Poet Laureate for a three-year term.
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Contact:

Chris Barfoot
Culture and Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7522
Culture and Heritage Department
Department
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4483

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