(Frankfort, Ky.) - Every two years the Kentucky Arts Council coordinates the nomination and selection process for Kentucky's Poet Laureate. The position was officially created by the General Assembly in 1991 to honor an outstanding Kentucky writer as a champion for the literary arts. The word poet in the position's title is interpreted in its broadest sense to include persons whose accomplishments are in any of the recognized literary forms, including poetry, fiction, biographical work, creative non-fiction, and playwriting. Nominations must be submitted by September 30, 2004 for the 2005-2006 term. Governor Ernie Fletcher will appoint Kentucky's next Poet Laureate.

Candidates for Kentucky Poet Laureate must be a resident of Kentucky with a long association with the commonwealth and have received critical acclaim for his or her literary work. Kentucky Poets Laureate promote the literary arts in Kentucky through readings and/or public presentations at meetings, seminars, conferences, and other programs across the state, including Kentucky Writers' Day.

The current Kentucky Poet Laureate is Joe Survant. Other notable Kentucky Poet Laureates have been James Baker Hall, Richard Taylor, Joy Bale Boone, James Still, Jim Wayne Miller and Jesse Stuart.

Kentucky Poet Laureate nominations are due by September 30, 2004. Guidelines, instructions and nomination forms are available on the Kentucky Arts Council’s Web site at www.artscouncil.ky.gov or upon request at 1-888-833-2787 ext 0. For more detailed information, please contact Daniel J. Strauss, Arts Program Branch Manager, at 888/833-2787 ext. 4804.

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet. Working in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council invests in programs that develop vibrant communities, provide lifelong education in the arts and support arts participation. Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $20 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government.

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