Date November 10, 2023
Contact: Coleen West
Phone: 410-313-2787
Email: coleen@hocoarts.org
ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced the establishment of the position of Howard County Poet Laureate, to elevate poetry in the consciousness of Howard County residents and to help celebrate the literary arts. The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) administers this program in partnership with Howard County Poetry & Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo).
The Poet Laureate is an honorary two-year position, in service to the community. The Poet Laureate shall be formally appointed by the County Executive, acting on a recommendation determined through an artistic and community panel selection process coordinated by HoCoPoLitSo.
During their term, the Poet Laureate will act as an advocate for poetry, literature, and the arts and contribute to Howard County’s poetic and literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.
The next Poet Laureate will serve from April 2024 through March 2026 and will receive a stipend of $5,000 per year of service, paid in two equal installments of $2,500 at the beginning and end of the year. In addition, a budget of up to $500 per year is available for reimbursable expenses related to the Poet Laureate’s activities, to be paid at the end of each year.
The Howard County Poet Laureate Program is a partnership with the Office of County Executive Calvin Ball, the Howard County Arts Council, and the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society.
The application and further details for the FY24 Individual Artist Merit and Creativity opportunity can be found at https://www.hocoarts.org/hoco-poet-laureate