Nominate the next laureate

Who will be Portsmouth's next Poet Laureate? Nominations are now open for a new POET LAUREATE. Do you know a poet who would be a great Poet Laureate? If so, now is the time to sent your suggestions to the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program PO Box 1196, Portsmouth, NH 03802 or by e-mail to info@pplp.org.  Add a few lines telling why you think this person would be a good poet laureate.

Nominees must live or work in Portsmouth or in one of the contiguous New Hampshire towns: New Castle, Greenland, Rye, or Newington. Nominations close March 1, 2007.

Portsmouth Poet Laureate is a two year appointment. During that time, the Poet Laureate serves as a symbol of the vital role that poetry, and the arts in general, play in the life of the Seacoast region.

With the help of the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program, the Poet Laureate leads a citywide poetry event. For example, Poet Laureate Mimi White has recently completed WHAT IS HOME, a project which resulted in a book of new poems on sale at RiverRun and in independent projects throughout the community celebrating the WHAT IS HOME theme.

In recognition of this work, the Poet Laureate receives an annual honorarium and the custody of an original statue made by local blacksmith Peter Happny.

The nominations will be considered by a committee of community members, city officials, and seacoast writers. The new Poet Laureate will be announced by the mayor at an April meeting of the Portsmouth City Council. There will be a reception honoring all the nominees following the announcement of the new Poet Laureate.

The Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program is the organization which facilitates the selection of the Poet Laureate, pays the Poet Laureate an honorarium, and brings to life the projects selected by the Poet Laureate. It  is dedicated to building community through poetry by appointing and supporting an outstanding local poet as Poet Laureate for the city, sponsoring events that feature area poets and authors from outside the New Hampshire Seacoast, and encouraging a love of poetry among people of all ages. It is supported by donations from individuals and businesses, and by grants from state agencies and local foundations.

Questions?  info@pplp.org or 603 772 4345