MONTEREY COUNTY — Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) has partnered with Urban Word to recognize and celebrate talented local youth poets.
The initiative aims to select the next Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate, who will serve as an ambassador for poetry, social action and the arts in the county. They will promote their own poetic work while encouraging their peers to participate in poetry through readings, workshops and public appearances.
This title will be held for a one-year term. The chosen youth will participate in several engagements throughout the year and receive a $1,000 honorarium.
“The role of Youth Poet Laureate is significant, and they will also collaborate with the recently appointed Monterey County Poet Laureate,” stated Jacquie Atchison, executive director of Arts4MC. “Their joint efforts will aim to promote poetry and literature in our county using a powerful medium.”
The Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate will be awarded to the candidate who shows a strong dedication to excellence, civic engagement, leadership and social justice. Interested candidates must complete an application and submit five original poems for adjudication by a panel of diverse and experienced evaluators.
Applications for the 2024-25 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate are being accepted through March 6.
Applicants must meet the following criteria: currently reside in Monterey County; be between the ages of 13 and 19 years old at the time of submission; submit five original poems; complete the application, submit a resume, statement of civic engagement and statement of social justice activities; and be available to serve as Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate for the one-year term, May 2024 to April 2025.
To learn more about the Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate, visit this webpage.
