Applicants being accepted for inaugural Denver Youth Poet Laureate
Applications are now being accepted for Denver’s first-ever Youth Poet Laureate. Young poets, rappers, leaders and activists ages 14-20 from throughout the Denver Metro area are encouraged to apply from Jan. 20-Feb. 20. Judges will select the inaugural Denver Youth Poet Laureate on Sat., March 20, 2015 at the Althea Center.
Along with the prestigious title of Denver Youth Poet Laureate, the winning poet will also receive a book deal from Penmanship Books and will be the recipient of the Russell J. Arkind Memorial Scholarship. The Laureate will be provided with numerous opportunities and platforms to share their powerful voice, civic leadership and love for Denver as they perform throughout the state.
All application materials must be submitted by February 20, 2015. Submission materials can be emailed via www.minordisturbance.org, uploaded via an online Submittable link available on either the Lighthouse Writers Workshop or Minor Disturbance website, or mailed to: 1301 W. 10th Avenue Denver, CO 80204.
The Denver Youth Poet Laureate is a program supported by Minor Disturbance, Colorado Creative Industries, Youth on Record and Lighthouse Writers Workshop, and is in partnership with Urban Word, supported by PEN Center USA and the Academy of American Poets. The Denver Youth Poet Laureate program identifies young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, and leadership and education.
About Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado Creative Industries, Colorado’s state arts agency, is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life.
About Minor Disturbance
Minor Disturbance is an independent literary arts organization dedicated to helping Denver youth find voice through the mediums of poetry and performance. Founded in 2006 by youth for youth it is our belief that every person’s story regardless of age, race, background, gender or sexuality is important and when given access to the tools and environment in which to freely express this history it can foster genuine positive change in our community.
About Lighthouse Writers Workshop
Lighthouse Writers Workshop is the largest nonprofit literary center in Colorado and the Mountain West. Since 1997, the organization offers high-quality writing instruction in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and many other genres. Lighthouse has twice been designated one of the best things in Denver by the indie newspaper Westword, and in 2008 received the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.
For more information, go to: http://bit.ly/1L5b7iA