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(Newark, NJ) – Calling Jersey-based creatives; there’s a new job up for the taking in the City of Newark. A new Poet Laureate program has been unveiled by Mayor Ras Baraka. This is a matter close to the heart for Baraka, the son of famous poet Amiri Baraka a.k.a. LeRoi Jones.
Any professional poets 21 years and up – who have also lived in Newark for at least two years – can apply for the position. According to a press release from the city, the position will rotate every two years. The poet will be selected by a committee made up of “poetry professionals, City staff, and community stakeholders” to shine a spotlight on the artform.
Those interested must submit applications by February 3rd to be considered. The City Poet Laureate will be announced in March. The Laureate will get an honorary $5,000 yearly reward on top of a yearly program budget of $10,000. The funds are courtesy of the City’s Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
