Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate Competition

The Search for a Poet Laureate to represent Eastern North Carolina.

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The Pamlico Writer's Group Poet Laureate Search Committee has determined that the successful candidate for poet laureate will be an accomplished poet who has resided in Eastern North Carolina (east of the I-95 corridor) for a minimum of one (1) year. The candidate will be one who has advocated for poetry as a means to inspire, inform, and entertain its people, and is dedicated to continuing to do so. The Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate will serve as the ambassador of Eastern North Carolina's vibrant literary life, promoting its poet community, and celebrating the written word in North Carolina, always mindful of the fact that poetry matters.

Objectives of the Poet Laureate Program

• To promote poetry as a form of communication having value in this ever-changing world, most especially in the lives of Eastern North Carolina residents
• To inspire an emerging generation of poets and writers
• To encourage the reading and writing of poetry
• To promote poetry as a literary genre that has deep roots among people of all ages and cultures

Suggested Roles of the Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate

• Promote reading, understanding, and writing of poetry
• Develop working relationships among other poets, writers, and teachers
• Participate in the annual Pamlico Writers’ Conference on April 3, 2020
• Plan and teach an introductory workshop on poetry to interested members of the public
• Broadcast a poetry program through television or radio showcasing local poets and their work
• Make use of social media (blog, web site, twitter) to reach out to prospective poets
• Present in Eastern Carolina schools to complement the language arts curriculum
• Present original poetry at public events (writing conferences, swearing in ceremonies, holiday celebrations, graduations, and the like)

Terms of Service

• The term of The Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate is two (2) years. The poet laureate may apply for a second term but shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms. In the event that the poet laureate is unable to complete his/her term, an interim poet laureate may be appointed by the search committee to complete the term.

Eligibility

• To be considered, a candidate must be at least 21 years of age, a poet and resident of Eastern North Carolina for a minimum of one (1) year, and must spend most of his/her time in-state for the duration of the service.
• Interested poets must be available and willing to develop poetry-related activities such as those outlined in the section Suggested Roles of the Poet Laureate

• A background in a variety of poetry experiences such as (writing, publishing, critiquing, attending courses, public readings, and the like)
• A comfort level in public speaking
• Ability and willingness to advance poetry in the public domain, and to participate in various public gatherings and educational settings throughout his/her term 

• $1,000 cash

• A complimentary artist membership in The Arts of the Pamlico for the term of service

Application Process

All candidates must submit a copy of the following (online - below):

• A completed application form available on the Pamlico Writers’ Group website
• A brief statement (no more than 500 words) regarding how the poet intends to approach the scope of the position and its objectives
• A sample of 3-5 poems (published or not, with no identifying information)
• Two (2) personal references (include e-mail and phone)
• All finalists will make themselves available for an interview if the selection committee contacts them.

Fees

• Non-members–An entry fee of $35.00 which will cover a $10 reading fee and $25 membership for one year in PWG.
• Current PWG members–$10 reading fee only

PWG Members Enter Competition Here

PWG Non-Members Enter Competition Here