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.