News Summary
Orlando is gearing up for the appointment of its third Poet Laureate, as the term of Shawn Welcome comes to a close in 2025. This initiative, backed by Mayor Buddy Dyer and United Arts of Central Florida, aims to deepen the community’s love for poetry. The new laureate will engage with citizens at city events and youth activities, fostering a vibrant literary scene. Applications are open until June 30, 2025, inviting local poets to apply and contribute to Orlando’s rich artistic tapestry.
Orlando Hits the Poetry Books: A New Poet Laureate in the Works!
Exciting news is brewing in the heart of Orlando! The city is stepping up its game in promoting the arts with the search for its third Poet Laureate, just as the term of the current laureate, Shawn Welcome, draws to a close. Under the watchful eye of Mayor Buddy Dyer, this initiative is a collaboration with United Arts of Central Florida. The main goal? To elevate the love for poetry and ignite a passion for the written word among the city’s residents and visitors alike.
The Gift of Poetry for All
The Poet Laureate does more than just hold a fancy title. This cherished role is all about spreading the joy of poetry and motivating budding poets to unleash their creativity. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community through literary arts. The new Poet Laureate will have the sincere task of presenting original poems at various city events, engaging in community gatherings, and participating in youth-focused activities that will invigorate the next generation of literary enthusiasts.
Mark your calendars because the debut of the next Poet Laureate will happen in October 2025, coinciding with National Arts and Humanities Month. So, you can expect an event filled with excitement and inspiration as Orlando welcomes its new voice of poetry.
Shawn Welcome’s Legacy
Shawn Welcome, Orlando’s current Poet Laureate, has left quite the footprint during his term that began in 2021. With a deep dedication to the community, he has not only composed beautiful works like “Reason Why,” but also launched the Words & Wonders Poetry Contest, gathering local talent and fostering a culture of unity and pride through poetry.
His contributions have emphasized Orlando’s vibrant stories, showcasing the diverse tapestry of experiences that make the city truly unique. Shawn’s commitment to making poetry accessible has resonated with many, proving that words can indeed bring people together.
A Committee for Change
To ensure a fair and thorough selection process, a Poet Laureate Search Committee will be assembled by Mayor Dyer. This committee will include a well-rounded group of poets, scholars, and local literary leaders, ensuring a plethora of voices and experiences. There will even be representatives from local educational institutions to reinforce the connections between poetry and learning.
As a special touch, Shawn Welcome will serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the committee, lending his insights without taking sides in the decision-making process. In July 2025, the search committee will start to review applications based on artistic merit, the depth of literary work samples, and the backgrounds and achievements of the nominees.
Who Can Apply?
Now, if you’re a poet in Central Florida itching for this opportunity, here’s what you need to know! Nominees must be at least 21 years old, have significant publications and awards to their name, and most importantly, be willing to engage with the public as part of their duties.
Applications are officially open until June 30, 2025! Poets from Central Florida eager to embrace this prestigious role are encouraged to check out the official guidelines on the United Arts of Central Florida website. The committee will make its decisions shortly after the application window closes.
What’s Next?
2025 is set to be a significant year for Orlando’s literary scene! As we await the unveiling of the new Poet Laureate, we invite everyone—poets, scholars, and lovers of the arts—to be part of this journey. With a little luck and a lot of creativity, the next Poet Laureate will surely help us all appreciate the power of words and the beauty of poetry in our lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Orlando’s Poet Laureate Hosts “Voices of Freedom” Residency
Additional Resources
- Bungalower: Mayor Dyer Launches Search for Orlando’s Next Poet Laureate
- Click Orlando: Orlando’s Poet Laureate to Host Spoken Word Workshops
- Fox 35 Orlando: Meet Shawn Welcome, Orlando’s Poet Laureate
- Orlando Sentinel: Orlando Poet Laureate Hopes to Inspire
- Your Community Paper: Susan Lilley, Orlando’s First Poet Laureate
- Wikipedia: Poet Laureate
- Google Search: Orlando Poet Laureate
- Google Scholar: Poetry in Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Poetry
- Google News: Poetry in Orlando
