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Support the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Fund! The WI Poet Laureate Fund is an endowment fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, to support activities of the State Poet Laureate and the Poet Laureate Commission. Download donation form. For more information, see the press release. |
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CURRENT WISCONSIN POET LAUREATE 2008–2010:
The Poet Laureate’s mission is an important and lofty one—to promote poetry statewide, to serve as a herald for Wisconsin’s poets and their verse, and to enrich the lives of Wisconsin’s citizens by sharing and encouraging the gift of poetry. The
Poet Laureate, must meet the following criteria: proven level of
skill in writing and reading poetry, an admirable and proven history
of publishing individual poems and/or books of poetry, and demonstrated
excellence in promoting awareness or enjoyment of poetry in Wisconsin.
She/he must also have been a resident of Wisconsin for at least
one year prior to the application deadline, be at least 18 years
of age, and be available to travel throughout the state. |
Denise Sweet—Wis. Poet Laureate 2004–2008
Ellen
Kort—Wis. Poet Laureate 2000–2004
Governor’s Poet Laureate Commission: Mar 1, 2006 – Feb 28, 2008 Governor Thompson created the commission in Executive Order 404, July 31, 2000, to recommend candidates for the poet laureate of Wisconsin. The 7 members were appointed to 4-year terms. Each of 5 organizations recommended one person for membership: the Council for Wisconsin Writers, the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, and the Wisconsin Arts Board. The governor directed the commission to recommend three candidates; assign responsibilities to the poet laureate; and assist that individual in performing official duties. The poet laureate is required to choose and lead one project that will contribute to the growth of poetry in this state subject to commission approval; plan and attend at least four statewide literary events each year; and perform in at least four government, state, and civil events as requested by the governor’s office, school systems, and literary organizations. Governor Thompson appointed Ellen Kort, of Appleton, to a four-year term in December 2000. Governor Doyle appointed Denise Sweet, of Green Bay, to a four-year term in September 2004.
Chair: Linda
Ware, Wisconsin Arts Board Public Relations: Applications
Coordinator: Susan
Elbe Expense
Liaison: Jane Hamblen Fund
Coordinator: Charles Ries Karla
Mullen, Watertown, Wisconsin Humanities Council. Denise
Sweet |