The City of Houston is seeking a new poet laureate. According to a statement, the person will serve as an "ambassador for the literary arts", celebrating the city's rich culture and diversity. A 20-thousand dollar honorarium goes along with the two-year appointment. The new poet laureate will also make guest appearances and complete a feature project.
Previous poets laureate were Gwendolyn Zepeda, Dr. Robin Davidson, and Deborah “D.E.E.P.” Mouton.
Houston Public Library Director Dr. Rhea Brown said in a statement, "I am sure the next poet laureate will inspire, delight, and engage the City’s diverse residents of all ages through the wonderful world of poetry just as our poets laureate have done in years past. I look forward to the exciting selection process.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner added, “Whether the poetry style is narrative or slam, delivered on page or through song, poetry communicates meaning beyond facts, connects people through shared experience and fosters empathy,”
The deadline to apply is February 13th. Here's a link with details.