“It’s time that Staten Island had its own Poet Laureate who can foster a greater appreciation for the art of reading and writing poetry,” said BP Oddo. “I am excited at the prospect and look forward to adding this voluntary position to our team at Borough Hall.”
The appointment of Staten Island Poet Laureate will be an unpaid, volunteer position, appointed for a 4-year term by the Borough President, based on the recommendation of a selection committee.
Candidates for the position must reside on Staten Island and have recognition as a poet, as well as a demonstrated commitment to using the position for community outreach and projects that promote poetry and/or literacy on the Island.
A committee of literary and arts “experts” from the local community will make their recommendations to the Borough President who will ultimately select the Poet Laureate.
Nominations should be sent to Jennifer Sammartino at jsammartino@statenislandusa.com. Please include a CV or resume and 3-4 examples of the nominee’s literary works. The nomination period is open until April 12th at 5 PM.