San Mateo County is seeking a new Poet Laureate to continue to increase awareness of San Mateo County’s rich diversity of people, place and neighborhoods through the power of the spoken word and place-themed poetry. Applications from published San Mateo County residents are being accepted now through Aug. 1, 2016.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of the post of San Mateo County Poet Laureate three years ago to elevate poetry into the consciousness of San Mateo County residents and to help celebrate the literary arts.

“This program has highlighted many fine poets within San Mateo County who have never been recognized before,” said Supervisor Warren Slocum. “We’ve been pleased with the success of this program and the attention it has brought to the arts, our residents and our beautiful County.”

Outgoing Poet Laureate Caroline Goodwin designed the successful “Poetry Is” project and campaign. Together with the libraries and San Mateo County, various contests and events were hosted throughout the past two years to highlight this campaign including “Poetry is Love”, “Poetry is Family”, “Poetry is Heritage”, “Poetry is Autumn” and the upcoming “Poetry is Nature.”

“I am so grateful to San Mateo County poets for trusting me with their work,” outgoing Poet Laureate Caroline Goodwin said. “It’s been thrilling to see how poets of all ages and experience have explored this art form, while connecting to what makes us special here in San Mateo County.”

The Poet Laureate is a two-year position that includes a $5000 yearly honorarium. During that term, the Poet Laureate will act as ambassador and advocate for poetry, literature and the arts. The Poet Laureate contributes to San Mateo County’s poetry and literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events. The Poet Laureate will also propose and lead a community project.

You can find the application here.