If you know a young poet looking for a creative outlet and the opportunity to grow as an artist, the City of Windsor has a vacancy coming up in its youth poet laureate position.
The current youth poet laureate, Samatha Badaoa, finishes her term this year, and applications and nominations are open until March 5.
Created in 2011, the program is open to poets aged 14 to 24 who live in Windsor and focus on themes that resonate with local youth. During their two year term, the winning recipient would serve as an ambassador for youth, poetry, language and the arts. They would create work reflecting the city's people, places, and identity.
Those who work in non-traditional literary art forms, including spoken word and storytellers, are also encouraged to apply.
During her tenure, Badaoa published her first collection of poetry under the mentorship of the city's poet laureate emeritus, Marty Gervais. Black Moss Press published her collection, "So am I." As part of National Poetry Month last April, her work appeared online. Two of her poems will appear in an upcoming collection written during the COVID-19 pandemic, while another inspired a painting by a local artist.
"The connections I have made during these last two years and the work that has come from the support of the arts community in Windsor are truly indescribable," she said. "I have been able to witness firsthand the talent and potential that the youth in our city possess -- their resilience and courage is a testament to us all."
The city has posted the full eligibility requirements, responsibilities, application process, and submission form on its website.