LYNN – On Tuesday, the city of Lynn announced it would begin the application process to select its inaugural Poet Laureate at the end of the month.
The application process will start on Dec. 31, 2024, and last through Jan. 31, 2025. The Poet Laureate is expected to be chosen by the end of March 2025. They will serve a two-year term, and receive a $2,500 stipend.
The Lynn Poet Laureate’s purpose is to represent the city and enrich its cultural landscape through public readings, community events, and other artistic initiatives.
Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain was heavily involved in the city’s decision to designate a Poet Laureate. “By appointing a Poet Laureate, we celebrate not only the art form but also the creative community and its capacity to inspire empathy, provoke thought, and preserve cultural heritage,” she said. “This initiative fosters a deeper appreciation for the written word and highlights the importance of the arts and culture sector in shaping our collective future.”
Lynn will become the 18th municipality in Massachusetts to have a poet laureate as the city continues to promote and celebrate its arts community.
“Lynn’s creative community has long been a cornerstone of our city’s identity. Establishing a Poet Laureate is a way to honor and amplify the voices of those who bring creativity and meaning to our shared experiences,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. “This program will provide a platform to celebrate poetry’s power to connect, inspire, and transform the residents of our great city.”
The eligibility criteria for applying to become Lynn’s Poet Laureate include being 21 years or older, being comfortable presenting in English, having a work portfolio, and being able to prepare and present a piece during an interview. Preference will also be given to residents of Lynn.
