Elgin Poet Laureate Project is looking for its next poet laureate

The Elgin Poet Laureate Project is looking for the next poet laureate who would represent the City of Elgin during various programs that promote the heritage, culture, and diversity of the city for a two-year term.

The application is available at www.elginpoetlaureateproject.org.

The Elgin Poet Laureate must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Elgin, and a self-identified poet. They will participate in up to 12 different programs during the two years with a stipend of $1,000 per year.

Some examples of programs that the Elgin Poet Laureate will present at are:

• Dedication of a public building, park, monument or honorary naming of a street;

• Commencement exercises at a local school, college or university;

• Centennial and other major anniversaries of local institutions;

• Public events with a multicultural theme or emphasis; and

• Creating an educational component engaging Elgin residents in the discovery and creation of the art of poetry.

The deadline for submitting the completed application is Friday, Aug. 20.

Finalists will be invited for a personal interview and poetry reading between Sept. 20-30.

The final selection will be announced no later than Tuesday, Oct. 5.