NCWN

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: John Boyette, Public Affairs Specialist

For more information: June Guralnick, Executive Director, Arts Commission, 890-3610

Boston has one.  Napa Valley, California has one too. And now the Triangle area has its very own Piedmont Laureate, thanks to a new collaboration between four local arts agencies – the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Durham Arts Council, Orange County Arts Commission, and United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County.

 With the key goal “to promote awareness and heighten appreciation for excellence in the literary arts throughout the Piedmont area,” the Laureate program is dedicated to building a literary bridge for residents to come together and celebrate the art of writing.  Applications are now being accepted for the Laureate position from poets currently residing in Wake, Durham, or Orange counties.

“I am thrilled that the local arts agencies have come together to create this important program,” said June Guralnick, executive director of the Raleigh Arts Commission. “Our region is rich in literary tradition, and the Piedmont Laureate program will enable area residents to become more engaged with our wonderful local authors.”

The Piedmont Laureate, to be selected by a committee appointed by the sponsoring agencies, will present public readings and workshops, participate at select public functions, and create at least one original activity to expand appreciation of literature.  The Laureate will receive an honorarium of $5,000. For the 2008-2009 cycle, applications will be accepted only from poets (in future years, other literary artists such as novelists and playwrights will be invited to apply). 

“One of our long-range goals in establishing this program is the hope that it will serve as a model to inspire similar regionally-based laureate programs in the state,” said Margaret DeMott, director of Artist Services at the Durham Arts Council.

Debbie McGill, literature director of the North Carolina Arts Council, agreed. "The state poet laureate can't be everywhere. When several counties join forces to appoint a literary ambassador, the resources available for community service are exponentially greater,” she said.

Additional information on the Piedmont Laureate program, including guidelines and an application form, is available by visiting www.raleighnc.gov/arts or contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (919) 890-3610. The deadline for poets to apply is Aug. 29. 

Established in 1977, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission holds the distinction of being the first municipal arts commission created in North Carolina. The Arts Commission serves as the Raleigh City Council’s official advisory and advocacy body for the arts. The commission’s myriad activities foster, support, and promote the arts in the Capital City.

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