The Legislative Assembly of Ontario invites nominations, under the Poet Laureate of Ontario Act, for the first Poet Laureate of Ontario!
Passed by Ontario’s Legislature in December, 2019, the Poet Laureate of Ontario Act (In Memory of Gord Downie) honours the late former lead singer of popular Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, whose poetic lyrics touched the hearts of Canadians from coast to coast. A native of Kingston, Ontario, Downie passed away in October 2017.
Who qualifies?
The Act sets out only two qualifications for the Poet Laureate of Ontario:
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The individual must be a person whose primary residence is Ontario and who has resided in Ontario for a period of at least six months during the 12 months preceding the selection.
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The individual must have published at least one volume of poetry within the last 10 years or must demonstrate that their body of work has brought honour to themselves and to Ontario.
What information is required for a nomination?
Standard information is required for each nominee to ensure a proper evaluation and review of each nomination:
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Nominee’s personal information (name, address, language preference, etc.)
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Nominator’s personal information (name, address, etc.)
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Letter of nomination briefly describing the nominee’s significant contributions to the arts and literary community, why they should be considered a nominee for Poet Laureate, and how they have influenced or had an impact on the work of other literary artists or on the Province of Ontario
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Nominee’s biography or CV, including such information as education, significant achievements, publications, professional activities, awards or honours
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Letters from two colleagues in the literary field supporting the nomination
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A minimum of two examples of the nominee’s work. These may be published in print or in electronic, audio or video format:
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If published in print only, one copy of the publication must be submitted
- If published in electronic/video/audio format, either a link or one copy must be submitted
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- A letter from the nominee outlining what they would bring to the position in terms of public outreach or specific activities, and confirming:
- their availability and willingness to stand for nomination and take on the role as an Officer of the Assembly
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their ability to travel throughout the province to promote literary events
- their ability to participate in Legislative events
- their Ontario residency for at least six of the 12 months prior to appointment.
Who can make a nomination?
Nominators may be Members of Provincial Parliament, members of the public and/or of the arts and literary community. Individuals may nominate themselves, as long as they have a letter from two colleagues in the literary field who support the nomination.
What is the compensation?
This is a two-year appointment with an annual honorarium of $20,000. There is also a travel and administrative allowance.
How do I submit a nomination?
Please visit ontariopoet.org.
Nominations must be received by Tuesday, September 15, 2020.