MALIBU—The city of Malibu is seeking a talented poet with the launch of its Poet Laureate Program. Originally proposed by Malibu resident Ann Bruxie, who coordinates the long-standing community poetry and storytelling event “Tales by the Sea,” the Malibu Cultural Arts Commission created the Poet Laureate Program with support from the City Council.

“The Poet Laureate is intended to provide a unique and inspiring voice for Malibu and forever keep poetry as an integral piece of the community’s artistic landscape” reads a Facebook post announcing the city’s inaugural search for an inspired wordsmith. Any individual who resides in or is affiliated with Malibu may apply for the position.

A two-year term position, the Poet Laureate will receive a $1,000 stipend as compensation for a host of citywide responsibilities. Duties include working with local schools and the Malibu library to promote poetry, acting as the official Consultant in Poetry to the city of Malibu and the Malibu Library, participating in and/or creating one Invitational each year, representing Malibu at literary and poetry events, working with the Laureate Committee to further the literary arts as an advocate for poetry and written and spoken word.

Under the guidance of Dr. John Struleoff, Chair of the Creative Writing Department at Pepperdine University, a panel will select Malibu’s Poet Laureate. Dr. Struleoff is an Esteemed Writing Fellow of the National Endowment of the Arts and Wallace Stegner Program at Stanford University.

Applicants can apply online, in person, or by mail. The selected Poet Laureate will begin work in March 2017 after a formal commencement and presentation before City Council.

Submission Criteria
  1. The open call is for Malibu citizens and affiliates who take the City and its mission to heart.
  2. Applications must be received during the open submission period of November 30, 2016-January 11, 2017. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time) on January 11.
  3. A cover letter must be included with the application that addresses the following:
    • As Poet Laureate, what ways do you see yourself engaging with the Malibu community as an ambassador of poetry?
    • Please describe your affiliation to Malibu and your interest in the issues and elements contained in Malibu’s Mission Statement. (The people of Malibu are a responsible custodian of the area’s natural resources for present and future generations).  Malibu Mission Statement
  4. Applicants must submit five poems: *poems are not to exceed three pages of verse per poem, and must be submitted in 12pt Times New Roman, single-spaced format.

For more information about the program or to apply online, visit malibuartsandculture.org.