The search is on for the next poet laureate of Vancouver.

The City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Public Library, and the Vancouver Writers Fest announced that nominations are now being accepted for “the people’s poet”, a position which amplifies the visibility of poets and poetry in the city.

The most recent poet to hold the position was Christie Lee Charles, from 2018 to 2020. Other previous poet laureates were George McWhirter, Brad Cran, Evelyn Lau, and Rachel Rose.

The poet laureate will also create a unique literary project to engage diverse communities in the city, and will present or perform at city events and community public poetry functions over a two-year term.

Nominees should have a notable body of work and be recognized for their contributions to poetry and Vancouver’s literary culture.

Poets from Vancouver, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) Nations are eligible. 

The new poet, who will begin in 2021, will receive a $7,500 stipend for each year, and an additional $2,500 will be available for laureate activities. 

The nomination deadline is August 11. Full details are available at the City of Vancouver website.