Santa Fe needs a new poet laureate. Valerie Martínez (at right), who served as laureate from 2008 to 2010, came to the end of her term in March. Nominations for her successor are due on May 10. All requirements for nominations are available
, at the Santa Fe Arts Commission section of the Santa Fe city website.
It's a little more complicated than just putting a name into a hat; applications are pretty intense, including a letter of intent from the poet including a budget proposal, as well as a 15-minute recorded presentation of DVD or CD. (We've provided all nomination requirements later in this post.) The process goes relatively quickly; applications are due by May 10, finalists are notified by May 16, and by June 15, the next Poet Laureate is announced.
So who does SFR think should be nominated? Read on to find out.
Jon Davis
Profession:
"The word profession comes from a root that meant a 'public declaration,' and has come to mean, among other things 'a principal calling, vocation, or employment' (from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary). My principal calling (vocation, by the way, means 'a calling') is poet. My principal employment, however, is teacher. It is because of this dichotomy that poets must live many lives simultaneously."
Has lived in Santa Fe for:
20 years
Hometown:
Orange, Connecticut
Why he's cool:
Does he even want to be Laureate?:
"One part says, No. The other says, Sure, why not another life to live simultaneously!"
His nomination:
"Chuck Calabreze, who is still campaigning for United States Poet Laureate, but who would, I am sure, 'settle' for a great city like Santa Fe! If you're unfamiliar with his 'work,' go
. His campaign for U.S. Poet Laureate is chronicled
."
Matt Donovan
Profession:
Has lived in Santa Fe for:
Hometown:
Why he's cool:
Does he even want to be Laureate?:
His nomination:
Greg Glazner
Profession:
Has lived in Santa Fe for:
Hometown:
Why he's cool:
Does she even want to be Laureate?:
His nomination:
Dana Levin
Profession:
Itinerant teacher (RIP CSF) (y'know, the old one)
Has lived in Santa Fe for:
12 years
Hometown:
Lancaster, California
Why she's cool:
Does she even want to be Laureate?:
"I have a terror of writing on demand. which means I should probably a) not be the poet laureate and b) never be a journalist"
Her nomination:
"Chuck Calabreze, hands-down."
N Scott Momaday
Profession:
"Since my retirement from teaching my profession is that of a poet. I have been writing poems steadily, and I have a major collection of new and selected poems coming out in the fall."
Has lived in Santa Fe for:
Nearly 60 years; off and on since 1948.
Hometown:
Why he's cool:
Does he even want to be Laureate?:
"I was Poet Laureate of Oklahoma during that state's centennial year, and I enjoyed the experience. I would be greatly honored to be the Poet Laureate of The Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi."
His nomination:
"I don't know what other poets are being considered, I respectfully nominate myself."
Orlando White
Profession:
Has lived in Santa Fe for:
Hometown:
Why he's cool:
Does he even want to be Laureate?:
His nomination:
But before any of you guys get too carried away with wanting to submit your friends, professors, co-workers, boyfriends, dogs or imaginary friends, keep these nomination requirements in mind; they're a little hardcore.
The poet should be nominated by a community member. The packet must include:
- A nomination letter stating the poet's special qualifications and why they should be considered. Nominator's name, address, phone number and e-mail address should be included.
- Letter of interest from the poet, including contact information and a proposal and budget for an educational outreach project.
- The poet's resume.
- Three to five poems by the poet. If the poet writes in a language other than English, the original poetry and an English translation should be submitted. Poems may be submitted on distinctive paper and/or printing method, but must be legible and have the ability to be photocopied without damage.
- Short (up to fifteen minutes) oral/video presentatioin recorded on DVD or CD.
