Austin Poet Laureate
Austin Public Library Names Zell Miller III the First-ever Austin Poet Laureate
Local poet and theater artist named first to hold 2-year position to promote poetry, literacy, and literary arts in Austin and serve as ambassador to advance Austin Public Library’s mission
Austin Public Library has selected local poet and theater artist Zell Miller III as the City’s first ever Poet Laureate.
The Austin Poet Laureate Program was established by the Austin City Council last year to be administered by Austin Public Library. The goals of the program include promoting poetry, literacy, and the literary arts in the Austin community; advancing poetry as a means of understanding and communicating Austin history and culture; and establishing an ambassador to advance Austin Public Library's mission, vision, strategic goals, and core values to discover, learn, and create through poetry.
As Austin Poet Laureate, Miller will be responsible for establishing and leading poetry and literacy related programming through Austin Public Library, including public readings and workshops, for the duration of his two-year term, which will run from April 2025 to April 2027.
The selection of the first-ever Austin Poet Laureate means that Austin joins many other major cities in Texas and throughout the nation in having a position dedicated to serving as an official ambassador of the city’s literary arts, fostering community connections through the art of poetry.
More information about Zell Miller III:
Zell Miller III is a poet, theater artist, and creative force known for his thought-provoking works that explore identity, culture, and the human experience. With a passion for storytelling and performance, Miller has made significant contributions to the arts, particularly in the realms of poetry and theater. In 2004, he was voted the best/poet writer in the Austin Chronicle. In 2017, he was inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame.
His poetic work is deeply influenced by his personal experiences and the broader social and political landscapes. He has toured nationally, and internationally as a performer. He has opened for legendary artists like Nikki Giovanni, and the Last Poets. Zell's poetry often weaves together elements of history, race, and emotion, creating powerful narratives that resonate with audiences. As a theater artist, he has utilized his unique voice to craft performances that challenge conventional boundaries and encourage reflection on societal issues.
Miller's approach to both poetry and theater is marked by an intense focus on language, rhythm, and the connection between artist and audience. His performance style, taught to him by his mentor Laurie Carlos, is steeped in the Jazz aesthetic. Whether performing on stage or sharing his written work, he brings a raw and genuine energy to his art, drawing viewers into the intimate spaces he creates with words and movement. An open book, Miller loves to say that his greatest creations are his children Zell IV, and Marley, and his relationship with his amazing partner Ashley Miller.
Through his work, Zell Miller III continues to inspire others to explore their own creativity and question the world around them. His dedication to using art as a platform for dialogue and change has made him a distinctive and influential voice in the contemporary arts scene.
What are the goals of the Austin Poet Laureate program?
The goals of the Poet Laureate program are to:
- Promote poetry, literacy, and the literary arts in the Austin community;
- Build awareness and appreciation of poetry and make it accessible to the wider community;
- Celebrate poetry and the power of the written and spoken word while honoring the cultural diversity of our community;
- Advance poetry as a means of understanding and communicating Austin history and culture;
- Establish an ambassador to advance APL's mission, vision, strategic goals, and core values to discover, learn, and create through poetry;
- Enable the Poet Laureate to serve as a mentor to poets in the community; and
- Create a vibrant platform for local poets to engage diverse voices and inspire literacy engagement through creative expression.
What is the history and origin of the Austin Poet Laureate program?
The Austin Poet Laureate program was established through the efforts of local poet KB Brookins, with the support of the Austin City Council and the Austin Public Library. The Austin Poet Laureate Committee developed the program’s guidelines, and it will be administered by the Austin Public Library. With this initiative, Austin joins the ranks of other major Texas cities that have launched poet laureate programs.
Who do I contact for more information about the Poet Laureate program?
For more information about the Austin Poet Laureate program, please email ask@austin.tx.libanswers.com.
Eligibility
Eligibility link
To be eligible, you must answer "Yes" to all of the following:
- I am at least 21 years of age or will be by April 1, 2025.
- I will have lived or worked in the City of Austin for at least three years by April 1, 2025, and will live or work in Austin throughout the Poet Laureate term.
- I have at least 10 published works (print, online, poetry journals, magazines, websites, or video) and/or 10 public performances or a combination of the two.
- I have a strong interest in serving the city, conducting community outreach, and promoting poetry.
- I have public speaking or performance experience.
- I am available to work at least 10 hours per week, including 5 hours per month at an Austin Public Library location.
- I am able to travel between library locations in the City of Austin.
Application Questions
Application Questions link
- Please submit a brief biography. (Limit: 100 words)
- Please list 10 published works and/or performances. (Limit: 150 words)
- Please submit a statement explaining why you should be selected to be the Austin Poet Laureate. (Limit: 300 words)
- Please describe how your past projects have engaged culturally diverse audiences. How does your poetry work to amplify the voices of these historically disenfranchised audiences? (Limit: 300 words)
- Please submit a statement outlining your ideas to enhance the literary arts within the community, specifically aiming to involve and represent diverse communities across the city. (Limit: 500 words)
- Please upload a resume or curriculum vitae (maximum of three pages) highlighting your publication and award history, experience in public speaking, teaching, and/or public performances, and community service or volunteer work.
- Please upload a writing sample consisting of 1–3 selected poems (maximum of 10 pages) OR a transcript of a spoken word performance.
- If you uploaded a writing sample, please provide a link to a video of yourself reciting one of your poems (maximum length: 3:30 minutes). If, instead, you submitted a transcript of a spoken word performance, please provide a link to a video of your spoken word performance (maximum length: 10:00 minutes).
Application Frequently Asked Questions
Application Frequently Asked Questions link
Review process:
What is the application timeline?
A public call for applications will be launched on October 1, 2024. Applications will be received through November 30, 2024.
How are applications scored?
Applications will be evaluated on a 100-point scale across the following categories:
- Writing: 30 points
- Performance and Public Speaking: 15 points
- Community Engagement: 15 points
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 15 points
- Awards and Publications: 10 points
- Ability to Plan and Execute Projects: 15 points
Eligibility:
What documents are required to verify that I have lived or worked in the City of Austin for three years?
Finalists invited to interview will be required to submit documentation proving they have lived or worked in the City for the past three years. Acceptable documentation includes lease or rental agreements, billing statements, employment records, tax documents, voter registration records, driver’s licenses, or other official documents showing your name and address. Please note that valid addresses must reflect your physical residence or place of employment, not a PO Box or any other property owned by you.
Will self-curated/self-published works be considered?
Yes, collections or individual pieces that the applicant independently selects, compiles, and publishes without the involvement of traditional publishers or curators will be considered.
What qualifies as a “public performance”?
A “public performance” refers to any event where poetry is shared with an audience outside of a private or personal setting. This can include readings at literary festivals, school events, community gatherings, or any organized occasion where the poet presents their work to the public.
Will you consider a combination of published works and public performances?
Yes. A combined total of 10 published works and public performances is acceptable.
Application:
What are the video submission requirements?
If you upload a writing sample, provide a link to a video of yourself reciting one of your poems (maximum length: 3:30 minutes). If, instead, you submit a transcript of a spoken word performance, provide a link to a video of your spoken word performance (maximum length: 10:00 minutes). A high-quality video is not necessary; a video taken with a phone is perfectly fine. We are focusing on the poetry performance itself, not the video quality. You must provide a link to your video; an upload of the video file will not be accepted.
Can I submit works and performances in languages other than English?
Yes. If you submit work in a language other than English, the original poetry and an English translation should also be submitted. Please note that the Poet Laureate position requires English proficiency.
What is meant by “historically disenfranchised audiences”?
“Historically disenfranchised audiences” refer to groups historically deprived of power and/or access to rights, opportunities, and services. This may refer to Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities.
Responsibilities:
How long would I be expected to serve as the Poet Laureate?
The appointed Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term, April 2025 – April 2027. The current Poet Laureate may be asked to hold the poet laureate title until a new laureate is chosen.
How many hours per week is the position?
The Poet Laureate will work at least 10 hours per week, including at least 5 hours per month at the Central Library.
What is a significant event?
A significant event is a planned and scheduled public program or activity that promotes poetry, literacy, and the literary arts in the Austin community, usually free and open to the public, and hosted by the library or co-hosted by a partner. One significant event will be held at the Central Library each year of the of Poet Laureate's two-year term.
What is an example of a signature project or initiative?
The following websites provide a variety of examples for signature projects that raise appreciation of poetry:
- Academy of American Poets: 2020 Poet Laureate Fellows and their projects
- Houstonia: Aris Kian Is Rewriting the Rules as Houston Poet Laureate
- Library of Congress: Poet Laureate Projects
Will the Poet Laureate receive compensation for their role?
Yes, the Poet Laureate will receive an annual salary of $25,000 and will be allocated a $10,000 annual budget for program expenses.