Nominations are open for the new Hawaii State Poet Laureate program, a combined effort between the Hawaii Council for the Humanities, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the Hawaii State Public Library System.
Nominations are open until Aug. 20, with the goal of selecting a new Hawaii State Poet Laureate in 2023.
“It is critical for our community to continue our oral traditions, and to deepen our legacy of literacy and creativity,” said the state’s first Poet Laureate, Kealoha, in a press release.
“The Poet Laureate program will provide the necessary support to future Poet Laureates of Hawaii, allowing them to promote poetry throughout the islands and abroad.”
As part of the new partnership program, a $20,000 stipend is provided to the Poet Laureate to provide tools and facilitate workshops for a broader support of the island’s literary community, bringing attention to Hawaii’s diverse voices and stories.
“Poetry has a long tradition of representing the best values of a given community, of helping to nurture and cultivate a rich and vibrant culture, and to bring out the humanity that needs to be shared by all,” Eric Chock, poet, editor, educator and co-founder of Bamboo Ridge, said in a written testimony.
Additional information along with an official nomination form can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/yckn3vtj.
Nomination submissions can be sent via email to: SFCAartistgrants@hawaii.gov.