07 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Civic Arts Commission's recommendation to create the position of Pleasanton Poet Laureate. The primary role of the Poet Laureate was to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the appreciation of the literary arts in the community, with the focus on poetry. These individuals have established a wonderful tradition of Poetry readings at the Century House, while using their unique styles in developing new programs for the community. Some of these include television broadcasts and the establishment of the Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival. In 2001, the City's Poet Laureate Program also won an award from the National Conference of Mayors. Past Poet Laureates include: • Charlene Villella (1999 —2001) • Jim Ott (2001 —2003) • Kirk Ridgeway (2003 —2005) • Cynthia Bryant (2005 —2007) • Martha Meltzer (2007 — 2009) • Deborah Grossman (2009 — 2011) • Cynthia Bryant (2011-2012) • Sandra Harrison Kay (2013 - 2015) In August 2012, the City started the formal process to recruit and officially appoint Teen Poet Laureates. The primary role of the City's Teen Poet Laureates is to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the appreciation of the literary arts, with the focus on poetry, in the community during the current school year. The City has had great success in recruiting Teen Poet Laureates since 2012 and the appointed teens have been offering successful poetry programs for the youth of Pleasanton since the inception of the program. However, for several years now it had been difficult to recruit an Adult Poet Laureate despite several thorough attempts. In discussions with vested community members and past Poet Laureates, the idea of broadening the program was discussed and the Literary Arts Ambassador position was proposed. The mission of the Literary Arts Ambassador Program is to raise awareness of the importance of literature as it relates to lifelong literacy and education toward the development and enhancement of the lives of Pleasanton residents. The Literary Arts Ambassador position and qualifications are fashioned similarly to the Adult Poet Laureate position but the literary component is broadened to include all literature and not just poetry. Page 2 of 3