The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild is seeking a new Saskatchewan Youth Poet Laureate for a one-year term (August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023).
The Youth Poet Laureate is a young poet who celebrates the people and place of Saskatchewan, raises awareness of poetry and engages communities through the literary arts. We are seeking a poet between the ages of 18-25 who has energy, creativity and a demonstrated commitment to written poetry and/or spoken word. The Youth Poet Laureate should be willing to share their work publicly with diverse audiences at SWG and community events and take the initiative in organizing a special poetry project or event that celebrates Saskatchewan poetry.
The Youth Poet Laureate’s work may occur both online and in-person; some travel may be required. They will be responsible for creating content for the YPL Facebook page.
Deadline for applications is midnight Wednesday, June 15, 2022. The successful poet will be announced in July.
Saskatchewan Youth Poet Laureate
Objectives:
- celebrate the spirit of Saskatchewan youth through the literary arts
- raise the profile of young writers in Saskatchewan
- raise awareness of the power of poetry and spoken word
- act as an Ambassador for writing in general, poetry in particular, and for the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild
Criteria
The Youth Poet Laureate will meet the following criteria:
- have a demonstrated commitment to writing, with a passion for poetry and/or spoken word
- have some record of public involvement in the writing culture of the province (e.g. readings, performances, volunteerism)
- have pursued some form of formal or informal professional development (workshops, classes, etc.)
- will be between the ages of 18-25 years old during their term
- be a current resident of Saskatchewan, and has been a resident for at least 2 of the past 3 years
Duties of the Saskatchewan Youth Poet Laureate
- Create an initiative (event or project) to celebrate Saskatchewan poetry in the fall of 2022. Up to $500 is available to support this and planning begins August 2022. Examples of past initiatives include a Zoom reading by all Western Canadian Youth Poet Laureates, a video series of young Saskatoon poets, and a weekly Facebook poetry video during the month of April.
- Read or perform at SWG events such as the Annual Conference (October, Regina) or festivals like Writing North (January, Saskatoon) or Talking Fresh (March, Regina) and the annual Poetry Soiree hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan (April, Regina)
- Read or perform at other events as requested by community organizations;
- Write a 200-word greeting in the Guild’s high school literary magazine Windscript, published each May (due March 1);
- Assume responsibility for posting content on the YPL Facebook page.
Length of Term and Remuneration
The Youth Poet Laureate term is one year (August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023).
The Youth Poet Laureate will receive a $1,000 annual stipend, to be paid in two payments of $500 in December and July. Travel expenses and reading fees for a limited number of readings/events will be covered. Up to $500 is available for a special poetry initiative or event organized by the Youth Poet Laureate.
Application Process:
To apply for the Youth Poet Laureate position, please submit the following:
- An application form (form is below),
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae that includes:
- your literary engagement experience at school, volunteering and/or work
- a list of publications or performances, if applicable
- a 100-word biography (to be used for promotional materials if accepted)
- At least three original poems in any format including written, audio, or video. If submitting audio or video, please include a written transcript of the poems,
- A letter (max 750 words) explaining the following:
- Why you want to be the Saskatchewan Youth Poet Laureate
- How you meet the criteria of the position you are applying for
- What you would plan for your unique poetry project or event with a budget of $500 (for fall 2022)
- Your availability and ability as the nominated youth poet between August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023.
