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Date: 5/25/2021
NORTHAMPTON – The Northampton Arts Council is seeking out its first youth poet laureate in Western Massachusetts to serve a one-year term from Aug. 1 until July 31, 2022.
According to information provided by the Northampton Arts Council, “The Northampton Youth Poet Laureate (NYPL) serves as an ambassador who will heighten the visibility and value of poetry by and for students and residents of Northampton, Florence, Leeds, and beyond.”
To be eligible the applicant must be in grades 7-12 in a Northampton, Florence or Leeds school as of September 2021 or be homeschooled. Applicants may graduate before the appointment ends in 2022.
Karen Skolfield, current Northampton poet laureate, explained, this inaugural youth poet laureate search “was a national idea more than an individual effort.”
Originally, Skolfield made a proposal to the Northampton Arts Council. In return, she said the Council was “eager” to make it happen.
“This is a growing movement in the country,” stated Skolfield. Many cities have been adding this spot within their communities, she explained.
Skolfield’s poet laureate term will end in 2022. As part of her work, she will be mentoring the youth poet laureate.
Other benefits of becoming the youth poet laureate include a $500 stipend, an optional published chapbook of your own poetry, resume building, and bragging rights.
Applications will be open until June 15. As of right now, Skolfield said there hasn’t been much of a turnout, but she is receiving some emails and is hopeful to get more.
In addition, Skolfield and the Northampton Arts Council have been advertising through word-of-mouth, especially to local schools, along with sharing information on social media sites such as Facebook.
Skolfield said, “I’m really excited to have someone younger and jazzed about poetry to be the liaison for the community.”
For additional information on the youth poet laureate program or how to apply, visit www.northamptonartscouncil.org.