How do I apply for the role of State Poet Laureate?
COA invites poets who are nominated to submit an application for consideration. We’ll ask you to:
- Complete a State Poet Laureate Application e-form
- Provide a work sample - original poetry document upload
- Upload a 1- or 2-page resume
State Poet Laureate Application e-form
We recommend you prepare for this form by writing your answers offline so you can copy and paste them into the form. Be ready to:
- Provide a link to your website (if available)
- Provide links to professional social media sites (if available)
- List four readings/engagements where you have performed/presented original poetry in the last two years. Note each venue, the approximate number of people who attended, and their overall demographics. You may also provide links if available.
- Summarize your experience at these readings and engagements. (150-word limit)
- Describe what you hope to achieve with your readings and engagements as the CT State Poet Laureate. Consider how your aspirations align with COA's READI values. (250 word limit)
- Describe why you would like to serve as the CT State Poet Laureate why now is the right time for you. (250 word limit)
- Describe what would you like to accomplish during your three year term as the CT State Poet Laureate. (250 word limit)
Work Sample
- Upload original poetry you created recently (in the past 2-3 years). Your upload should be a PDF file up to 20 pages in length.
- Applicants are encouraged to include a video/audio link of a poetry reading.
- Summarize your work sample and why you chose it for this application. (200 word limit)
Resume
We’ll also ask you to upload a 1- or 2-page resume. Your resume should include career accomplishments as a poet.
Supplemental Items
- Nomination Statements will be made accessible to the reviewers, but the names of the nominators will not be included. Nomination Statements are supplemental to the review and reviewers are not required to read all that are submitted. The Nomination Statements may be used to assist the reviewers in the evaluation process.
- Letters of Recommendation from elected officials and municipal leaders will be accepted by email to tamara.dimitri@ct.gov. Only two Letters of Recommendation may be included as part of the review of your application. Letters of Recommendation are optional and may be used to assist the reviewers in the evaluation process.
Return to the Poet Laureate Overview page.