Arts and Culture Commission Meeting Date: March 13th, 2024
To: Commission Members
From: Natalie Draper, Library Director
Title
Poet Laureate Update.
Body
Action Requested:
The ACC receives an update on the process to search for a new Poet Laureate.
Summary Report:
The position of Northfield Poet Laureate was established in 2016 by the Northfield Public Library, in collaboration with the City of Northfield Arts and Culture Commission. The position was funded in its initial year through a grant by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC). The Library is funding the stipend through the programming budget, the Friends of the Library are providing a budget for the poet to work from, and staff can assist in securing grants for special projects.
As of the extended March 7th deadline, staff received three applications. The PARC will meet this month to review and make a selection. PARC members include Will Flannery (library board), Genevieve Tassava and Paula Granquist (ACC), Doug Green, Becky Boling, Rob Hardy (poets), and Kaethe Schwehn (FFNPL).
Timeline
• January 2024: Issue open call for poet laureate
• February 29th, 2024: deadline for applications
• Early March, 2024: Committee meets to make selection
• April March: ACC/Library Board accept committee recommendation;
• May: Poet Laureate activities may begin
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A