The honorary position of Connecticut Poet Laureate was established in 1985 by the Connecticut Legislature. As the state’s representative poet, the Poet Laureate serves as an advocate for poetry and promotes the appreciation of and participation in poetry and literary arts activities among Connecticut citizens.
connecticut State Poet Laureate Guidelines - FY2010
• Present at least one public event per year as requested by CCT such as award
ceremonies or other events conducted by CCT
• Foster public appreciation of and participation in poetry and literary arts activities
• Serve as an ex officio member of the Connecticut Commission on Culture &
Tourism’s Commission
• The State Poet Laureate will serve for a term of five years.
• The State Poet Laureate will receive an annual stipend of $1,000 for a total of $5,000
for the five years.
• The State Poet Laureate must maintain Connecticut residency during his or her term
of office.
• CCT reserves the right to revoke the tenure of the Poet Laureate if he or she fails to
fulfill his/her duties.
Any Connecticut citizen may nominate a poet for the Poet Laureate position. A poet
may not self-nominate and no award will be given posthumously.
Eligible Nominees
• Nominees must be full-time Connecticut residents (for at least the past five years
prior to the nomination deadline).
• Nominees must possess a distinguished career in the field of poetry.
• Nominees must be available to travel and give presentations.
Ineligible Nominees
• Students currently enrolled in degree-granting institutions
• Previous State Poet Laureates
• CCT commissioners, staff and members of their immediate families
A peer panel of poets and literary professionals will review eligible nominations. The
selection criteria are:
• Outstanding reputation and distinction in the field of poetry
• Excellence of the poet’s work; history of substantial publications
• Capacity to foster public appreciation of and participation in poetry through
readings, public presentations and/or teaching in diverse communities Nominator must submit six (6) copies (one with original signatures and five copies) of the following: • Completed Nomination Form signed by nominee and nominator. • A one-page narrative outlining the nominee’s accomplishments in the field of poetry and his or her experience in fostering public appreciation and participation in poetry and literary arts activities in diverse communities • The nominee’s resume, including a list of published works, awards, honors or other recognition. • A minimum of two (maximum three) letters of support. • A work sample of no more than ten poems. The total work sample may not exceed 15 continuously numbered 8 and ½ x 11 pages (one side) and no smaller than 11 point type. Please provide copyright information where appropriate. All work sample submissions must be typewritten or computer generated. Materials hand-written will not be accepted. Nomination packets must be received (not postmarked) in the CCT offices no later than 4:00 pm on March 31, 2010. E-mailed, faxed, incomplete, or nominations received after the deadline will not be accepted. Re-Nomination of Previously Nominated Poets A poet who has been nominated before may be re-nominated. A new Nomination Form and updated materials must are, however, required.
