The municipality of Leeuwarden is looking for a City Poet for the next two years, for its city and the 35 villages. Enthusiastic word artists can apply until the 15 November at www.leeuwarden.nl/stadsdichter. Each year, the City Poet writes a number of poems for Leeuwarden and will recite them during official occasions from 2024 to 2026.
The role of the City Poet
“Not only was Leeuwarden the European Capital of Culture in 2018, but since the end of 2019 the city is also proud bearer of the title UNESCO City of Literature. Our city, together with its villages, deserves its own City Poet,” says alderman Hein Kuiken.
“A City Poet writes about today’s Leeuwarden, reflects what is going on and has a deep connection to the community and its cultural and social developments. The City Poet acts as an independent and connecting force for all of Leeuwarden, is critical and engaged, and stimulates the love of word art.”
Election
Candidates can apply until 15 November by sending an email to stadsdichter@leeuwarden.nl. In it, the candidate describes who they are, what their motivation is and provides a plan to promote poetry, as a poet or (spoken) word artist, in multilingual Leeuwarden. In addition, the candidate submits two of their own works (poetry), one of which is related to Leeuwarden. The form of the submission is free to choose.
The entries will be judged by a jury whose members will be announced shortly.
At the end of January 2024, during Poetry Week, the new City Poet will be announced.
The elected City Poet will serve a two-year term. During each year, the City Poet writes at least six works about or for Leeuwarden and participates in official occasions where the work is recited. The City Poet receives a compensation of € 4.000,- per year for realising the projectplan, as well as an honorarium of € 4.000,- per year.
Conditions
To qualify for the position of City Poet of Leeuwarden, one must meet certain criteria. The City Poet is 18 years of age or older and lives within the municipality of Leeuwarden. The City Poet has a strong connection with what is going on in Leeuwarden and has an eye for cultural and social developments. And of course, the City Poet is willing to serve as City Poet of Leeuwarden in 2024 and 2025.
More information about the conditions and the application at:
