Town of Cheshire

Town Accepting Poet Laureate Nominations

Posted on 10/26/2023

The Town of Cheshire is seeking nominations for the volunteer position of Town Poet Laureate. This two-year position is open to all Cheshire residents, and is effective January 1, 2024.  Following the review of nominations by the Planning Committee, the Poet Laureate will be appointed by the Town Council, with the responsibility of fostering local public appreciation of poetry and literary arts and implementing special poetry and literary projects as identified and requested by the Town Council.  Nominations should be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023 to the Town Council Planning Committee by email to [email protected] or by mail/in-person drop off to Town Manager’s Office, 84 South Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410. The full list of requirements of the Poet Laureate position include:

• Be a full time Cheshire resident, and must remain a full time Cheshire resident while serving in this role, and be nominated by another Cheshire resident;
• Be recognized by peers and the public as an accomplished, traditionally published poet;
• Soon after appointment, present to the Town Council a plan for local poetry and literary activities during their two-year term for the Council’s approval;
• Serve without compensation, and shall not gain personal financial benefit from this role;
• Serve the Town Council, with no authority to direct Town officials or Town staff;
• Turn over all original work created for the Town of Cheshire as Cheshire’s Poet Laureate to the Town for display and archival purposes.