Seeking the Next Poet Laureate
 

On April 23, 2013, The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of the post of San Mateo County Poet Laureate to elevate poetry into the consciousness of San Mateo County residents and to help celebrate the literary arts. Poet Laureates have amplified the role of poetry and the literary arts across the County

During their term, the Poet Laureate will serve as ambassador and advocate for poetry, literature and the arts throughout San Mateo County. The Poet Laureate is responsible for elevating poetry in our community, educating the public about the value of creative expression, inspiring diverse voices to emerge, creating new points of connection among residents in our county, and increasing access to our cultural resources. It is expected that the Poet Laureate will contribute to the County’s poetry and literary legacy through public readings, engaging programming, and participation in civic events. The Poet Laureate will create and lead a series of programs in the community. Past Poet Laureates include Aileen Cassinetto, Caroline Goodwin, and Lisa Rosenberg. You can learn more about the poets and their projects here.


Guidelines and Application Instructions

Application Period Opens: November 12, 2024            
Application Deadline: December 20, 2024, 11:59 PM

The Poet Laureate is a two-year position which includes a $5,000 yearly stipend. An additional $2,000 is available for programming over the two-year term.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
  • The Poet Laureate must be 18 years or older.
  • The Poet Laureate will be available to serve a two-year term, commencing Spring 2025 through December 2027.
  • The Poet Laureate will be a San Mateo County resident of at least three (3) years.
  • The Poet Laureate has published one or more collections of poetry which can include anthologies, chapbooks, and one (1) independently or self-published works that have appeared in print or online, and/or a substantial history of public spoken word performances.
  • The Poet Laureate will have demonstrated a commitment to and passion for poetry and embrace the opportunity to engage in community service to make poetry and the literary arts accessible and available to residents of the County.
  • The Poet Laureate will articulate a willingness to serve as an ambassador for San Mateo County and to engage residents in poetry at public events through public readings, workshops, and visits to community spaces.
  • The Poet Laureate will be available to travel throughout San Mateo County.
DUTIES OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY POET LAUREATE
  • The Poet Laureate will represent San Mateo County and the art of poetry through outreach activities related to poetry.
  • The Poet Laureate will present appropriate works at a minimum of three (3) selected County-sponsored events during each year, including events involving youth, older adults, and other underserved communities.
  • The Poet Laureate will present original poetry at the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meetings every quarter.
  • The Poet Laureate will serve as a judge in the annual youth Poetry Out Loud competition.
  • The Poet Laureate will propose and lead a community project throughout their term.

Applications will be considered for the post of San Mateo County Poet Laureate. Application will be available here on November 12, 2024. The deadline for receipt of the application packet and supporting documents is December 20, 2024, 11:59 PM.

San Mateo County is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to present this equal opportunity call for County Poet Laureate. All qualified applications will receive consideration for the post without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, pregnancy, age, or veteran status.

Past Poets Laureate Cities Poets Laureate About

Poet Laureate

Jorge Argueta - Poet Laureate

Jorge Argueta of Daly City is San Mateo County’s 2023-2024 Poet Laureate and their first poet laureate of Hispanic descent. He cites his ability to use poetry to create bridges among diverse communities. Argueta’s work reflects his heritage as a native of El Salvador with a number of bilingual books and poems. He teaches creative writing at elementary schools, high schools and colleges and works with young people in homeless shelters, hospitals and other challenging environments.

Argueta’s works include children’s books such as the bilingual “The Fiesta of the Tortillas/La Fiesta De Las Tortillas” and “A Movie in My Pillow/Una Pelicula en mi Almohada,” about a child with two homelands.

Argueta is the fourth poet laureate, following Aileen Cassinetto, Lisa Rosenberg and Caroline Goodwin.

 
 
Congratulations:  Tetl Argueta Pérez Papers Acquired

The Benson Latin American Collection announced the acquisition of the San Mateo County Poet Laureate, Jorge Tetl Argueta Pérez Papers. This collection captures the personal history of Argueta’s work as an award-winning children’s book author, poet, activist, organizer, cultural worker, teacher, and publisher. It includes manuscripts, books, journals, original artwork, correspondence, photographs, posters, and newspapers. Read more

Jorge Argueta Papers Acquired
Manyula International Children's Poetry Festival

Join us for this exciting day of creativity at the Manyula International Children's Poetry Festival.

Festival Manyula 2023

The event will take place at the Half Moon Bay Library on Saturday, August 5th from 11 am to 4 pm and is free and open to all.

Questions? Contact poetlaureate@smcgov.org

Appointment of Mr. Argueta

Daly City Council honors the appointment of Mr. Argueta as County Poet Laureate at its February 27 Council meeting

two males holding a document Commendation document
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