The search is on for Owen Sound's next poet laureate. Anyone in Grey or Bruce County with a passion for poetry and a body of work, whether published or not, is welcome to apply. The successful candidate will be Owen Sound's sixth Poet Laureate and will be appointed for a two-year term, from October 2017 to October 2019.
This time around the selection committee is particularly interested in applications from people with an interest in children's poetry. "In the past, the poet laureate program has focused on adults, so we feel it's time to pay attention to the children in our community," said Liz Zetlin, who was Owen Sound's first poet laureate and is also head of the selection committee. "Children are natural poets. They love playing with the sounds, sense, and rhythms of language. Poetry is a way to find their own unique voice and have fun at the same time. If started at an early age, this passion can last for a lifetime."
Although the preferred focus for the upcoming laureate is on children, the selection committee is open to applications from poets with a unique vision and original ideas for a legacy project, their lasting contribution to the community. "We want someone who's a good writer and performer, of course, but we're also looking for an ambassador for poetry, someone comfortable reaching out to our diverse community." said Zetlin
The successful poet will serve a two-year term, from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2019 and will be expected to work a minimum of 12 hours a month. The Poet Laureate writes poetry about the area, does public performances and works with local poets and writers. Outgoing poets laureate Rob Rolfe and Larry Jensen were jointly appointed in 2015 and were chosen for their very original approach. They have continued to develop projects that fuse the spoken word, songs, lyrics and poetry with instrumental music to explore working class stories of Grey-Bruce/Owen Sound.
By the end of their tenure, Rolfe and Jensen will have performed together more than 40 times. "In sharing the poet laureate position with Larry, who is a very professional performance artist, I have learned a lot about performing my poetry to live audiences," said Rolfe. "We have had an opportunity to reach a wider and more diverse audience than either of us would have otherwise.
"When Rob and I were chosen to be Poets Laureate, I was immediately encouraged to write and perform spoken word as well as incorporating music in as many combinations as fitting," said Jensen. "Rob and I learned how to pace reading with rhythm, a powerful connection and vehicle for the stories. It's an experience I won't forget."
The deadline for applications is August 4, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Full details about the Poet Laureate program and what is needed for the application package are available on the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library website  or by calling 519-376-6623, ext. 201. For more information contact Liz Zetlin, Chair, Poet Laureate Advisory Committee, [email protected] 226-664-0088
Owen Sound is probably the only Canadian Poet Laureate program that is not supported by any level of government and relies solely on donations from local businesses and individuals. Sponsors for the upcoming term include Dave Madill, CFP at BMO Nesbitt Burns and Andrew Armitage. Interested sponsors should also contact Liz Zetlin.