On January 17, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the creation of the Town of Brookline Poet Laureate Program.

Under the direction of the Board, the Brookline Commission for the Arts is now accepting applications for the town's first Poet Laureate. Under the guidelines of the program, which will begin in April, the town will appoint a poet to a two-year term. The poet's charge will be to enhance the town's cultural life, promote awareness and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts, and connect members of the community through poetry.

The program is open to residents of Brookline who have composed a substantial body of work, including published work, and a demonstrated commitment to the community. Duties of the new Poet Laureate position will include public performances, outreach to schools and community centers, and undertaking creative and innovative projects to energize the town's residents in the spirit and power of the written word. 

The sponsors of the Poet Laureate Program are Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation and Century Bank.

Applications may be made between now and March 16th, 2012. Candidates should submit a letter of interest, a current CV and a selection of representative poetry to Arts Commission administrator Gillian Jackson, at brooklinearts@gmail.com.  Residents may also inquire with Ms. Jackson for a full description of the program and the duties of the Poet Laureate.

A selection committee, composed of commissioners and citizens, will convene in early April to review applications, make a selection and submit it to the Board of Selectmen for approval. Those interested in joining this committee, please contact Ms. Jackson at brooklinearts@gmail.com by March 16.