For the first time in its history, Massachusetts is set to name a state poet laureate. The appointed poet will promote poetry and creative expression across the state, participating in public readings and literary events.
Role and Responsibilities
The poet laureate will have a key role in celebrating poetry throughout Massachusetts. They will participate in cultural programs, compose poetry for special occasions, and advise the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on school outreach initiatives to promote poetry.
Enthusiasm from the Literary Community
Amy Rhilinger, director of the Attleboro Public Library, expressed her excitement about the announcement.
“I love that this is happening both personally and professionally,” she said. “For a commonwealth so steeped in literary history, I’m shocked we are one of the last states to have a poet laureate.”
Attleboro appointed its first poet laureate, Briana Serradas, in 2022.
Oreste D’Arconte, a published poet and former publisher of The Sun Chronicle, believes the move will enrich the state’s literary culture.
“It is great for our state culture, poetry in general, and the many poets in Massachusetts,” he said.
Selection Process
An advisory committee, chaired by Michael Bobbitt, executive director of the Mass Cultural Council, has been formed to review nominations. The committee will submit two finalists to Governor Maura Healey, who will make the final selection. The appointed poet will receive an honorarium from the Mass Cultural Council.
This historic decision reflects Massachusetts’ rich literary heritage and aims to inspire a greater appreciation for poetry statewide.
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