The Town of Chapel Hill is accepting applications for its next poet laureate, a position which it says “inspires creativity and celebrates community through poetry, public programs, and shared experiences.” The town’s current poet laureate, Cortland Gilliam, will have his term expire at the end of the year.
The town’s poet laureate will serve a two-year appointment from January 2025 through December 2026 and will receive $6,000, disbursed in multiple payments throughout the tenure. Responsibilities include working with the town staff to design a timeline of programs, projects and events, such as workshops and regularly scheduled meetings. Performances of original poems at special community occasions are also expected.
The Town of Chapel Hill’s two most recent poet laureates: Cortland Gilliam (left) and CJ Suitt (right). (Image via Town of Chapel Hill)
Applicants are required to be a published poet with active projects in the last five years and have a personal or professional connection to Chapel Hill. Residency in the town is preferred, but not required.
“The Poet Laureate is an ambassador for poetry by fostering connections to the poetry community,” the town said, “and by enhancing the social and civic life of the Chapel Hill community at large.”
The application deadline is Monday, September 9 at 5 p.m. For more information, including how to apply, click here.
Featured image via Town of Chapel Hill
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹
New Chapel Hill Poet Laureate Seeks to Build Community Through Spoken WordCortland Gilliam is an artist, graduate student, educator — and now the Town of Chapel Hill’s second-ever poet laureate.
UNC Reports More Than $17 Million in Direct Economic Impact from Savannah Bananas VisitAccording to a release from UNC, the recent visit from the Savannah Bananas to Chapel Hill generated an estimated $17.1 million.
Multiple UNC Football Players Facing Reckless Driving ChargesSeveral UNC football players are facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and other violations. An investigation by WRAL, originally published Monday afternoon, reported that “nearly 20 percent” of UNC’s 101-man roster has been cited for speeding since October of 2024. The investigation named three specific players: linebacker Khmori House, safety Gavin Gibson and cornerback Thaddeus […]
Talking Culture: 'The New Economy' with Gabrielle CalvocoressiThis week, Aaron welcomes poet Gabrielle Calvocoressi, whose new collection just got named a finalist for the National Book Award.
Our Town: The Story of Economic Development in Chapel HillThis month, David Putnam and Sarah Potter, tell the story of economic development and their work to support and create a vibrant business community – so that Chapel Hill can thrive now and in the future.
Declining Enrollment in Teacher Education Programs Makes UNC Pause Music Education TrackUNC-CH’s Department of Music stopped accepting new students into the music education program as of the Fall 2024 semester due to low enrollment.
Orange County Leaders React to Threat of Funding Freeze, Impact of Executive Orders from Trump AdministrationOrange County's elected leaders and UNC's chancellor shared their reactions to the threat of halted federal funding by President Trump's administration.
No More Coal? Chapel Hill Prepares for Hearing on UNC's Co-Gen Plant and Potential New Fuel SourceChapel Hill Town Hall will host a hearing on Thursday to take comments on a potential alternative fuel source for UNC's cogeneration plant.
Chapel Hill Removes New Artwork at Peace & Justice Plaza, Citing 'Deep Division' Over One DetailChapel Hill staff removed the latest art display at the Peace & Justice Plaza on Wednesday, citing division caused by a pro-Palestine symbol.
Town of Chapel Hill Seeking Applicants for Next Poet LaureateThe Town of Chapel Hill is accepting applications for its next poet laureate, a position which it says “inspires creativity and celebrates community through poetry, public programs, and shared experiences.” The town’s current poet laureate, Cortland Gilliam, will have his term expire at the end of the year. The town’s poet laureate will serve a […]
›
