Alexandria Seeks New Poet Laureate, Apply by Jan. 10, 2025

ALEXANDRIA, VA-Alexandria’s Office of the Arts is searching for a new poet laureate. Zeina Azzam has held the position since 2022, and she will leave it, as required, next spring. The laureate program was re-established in 2006 to promote the appreciation of poetry. The poet laureate is tasked with writing poems for special occasions and appearing in public to read his or her work, which usually focuses on Alexandria as its theme.

The individual also promotes creative writing and the reading of literature as well as the importance of literacy using poetry. Each poet laureate serves three years and is given a modest annual stipend.

Those interested in becoming Alexandria’s next poet laureate are welcome to nominate themselves. Know someone who is gifted with words, loves literature, and this city? Nominate him or her. Apply HERE. Must be at least 21 years old. To learn more about the position, click HERE.  The deadline to apply is Jan. 10, 2025.

DASHing Words in Motion Poetry Contest

For a number of years, DASH and the Office of the Arts have sponsored the DASHing Words in Motion poetry contest, where the Alexandria Transit Company places lines of poetry from Alexandria writers on the outside of its busses and trolleys. The contest is a fun way to recognize writers (16 and older) and promote poetry. To enter, people must live work, or study in Alexandria. To submit poetry, click HERE and follow the prompts.  The deadline is Jan. 17, 2025.

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