Worcester Youth Poet Laureate Application

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, in collaboration with the Worcester City Council and Cultural Development Division, is pleased to announce the nomination process for the City's next Youth Poet Laureate. The Youth Poet Laureate will serve a two year term, from January 2024 through December 2025.

Youth poets, age 13 to 19 as of January 1, 2024, will be considered for the Youth Poet Laureate role. Additional selection criteria include:

The literary merit of the candidate's work;
The impact of the youth candidate on other writers and the community, for example through writing clubs, social media, school programs or community organizations;
Contributions to the literature of Worcester and its diverse voices, for example through local events, community initiatives or creative projects; and
The ability and willingness to conduct required public engagement duties.

For consideration, completed application and all required collateral materials must be received by 5 p.m. on December 10, 2023 or postmarked by December 10, 2023. For questions and concerns, please contact the Cultural Development Division at 508-799-1400 x3, or email Culture@worcesterma.gov.

Application Submitted By

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A one-page narrative or candidate biography, to include how the applicant meets the criteria and goals as stated in the Youth Poet Laureate Program Guidelines. The narrative may begin with a brief artist statement or personal philosophy, should describe recent and relevant work and should include a description of the work to be created if appointed Worcester's Youth Poet Laureate.

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Writing samples not to exceed 10 pages. This can be up to 4 poems in written form, or link(s) to written works by the candidate.

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Include links to press coverage, reviews and no more than 3 videos of public readings/performances.

I certify that I will be between the ages of 13 and 19 as of January 1, 2024.

I Certify

I certify that the information contained in this application, including all attachments and supporting materials, is true and correct. All supporting documents are created by and the intellectual property of the named Proposed Youth Poet Laureate.

I Certify

I understand that, if appointed as Worcester's Youth Poet Laureate, I will be financially, administratively and programmatically responsible for all aspects of services rendered, including proper documentation, invoicing and reporting.

I Understand

I understand that the City of Worcester maintains the right to cancel this program opportunity for any reason prior to offering program contracts.

I Understand

Candidate Signature (Parent/Guardian Signature if Candidate is Under 18)

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I agree to electronically sign and to create a legally binding contract between the other party and myself, or the entity I am authorized to represent.