TAMRMS#: B06
7.1
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St. Albert Poet Laureate Appointment *TIME SPECIFIC - 1:05 p.m.*
Presented by: Kathleen Bell, Community Cultural Coordinator, Community Services
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That Arienette Zak be named St. Albert’s Poet Laureate for a two-year term commencing April 2024 and ending March 2026.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
In accordance with City Policy C-CAO-24, St. Albert Poet Laureate, this report provides the recommendation from the Poet Laureate selection panel, as appointed per the CEO of the St. Albert Public Library.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In March, a Poet Laureate selection panel was convened by the St. Albert Public Library.
The selection panel consisted of the following members:
• one Arts Development Advisory Committee member
• one member of St. Albert Public Library staff
• one representative from the literary community (poets and writers).
The selection panel was organized and monitored by a St. Albert Public Library representative.
Nominees were assessed on the following criteria:
1. Clear and innovative ideas regarding the vision for the position of Poet
Laureate
2. Demonstrated an ability to engage and inspire the St. Albert community
3. Ease and skill at presenting and performing work to the public
4. A body of literary work of superior artistic merit.
The selection panel recommends that the following person be named the St. Albert Poet Laureate for a two-year term commencing April 2024 and ending March 2026:
Arienette Zak
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Distributed information to the public via:
• City Lights
• St. Albert Public Library Website
• Social media platforms
• Direct communication with literary and arts organizations
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
The Poet Laureate will receive funding in April of 2024 and April of 2025 ($1000 has been allocated for 2024). These funds will come from the existing Community Services operating budget.
Compliance & Legal:
The process undertaken complies with Policy C-CAO-24 (attached).
Program or Service:
Existing program that supports the development of a robust cultural and literary community in St. Albert.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
None at this time.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
B.3.1.b Community Cultural Programming: Access to cultural experiences, artistic development, and performance opportunities for residents.
A range of diverse and relevant arts is provided to the community. Programming selection is based on demand and community needs. (e.g. Poet Laureate, emerging artist programs, youth artist development).
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On January 23, 2024 Council passed the following motion:
CB-24-001
That the Council Policy C-CAO-24 Poet Laureate, attached to the Agenda Report entitled “Poet Laureate Policy Update” dated January 23, 2024, be approved.
On February 18, 2020 Council passed the following motion:
CB-20-017
That the St. Albert Poet Laureate Policy be adopted as presented.
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternatives could be considered:
Alternative 1: Council may choose not to approve the recommendations and refer back to the selection panel for further review and consideration.
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
Policy C-AO-24 outlines that the appointment of the new poet laureate should occur in April every other year. If Council does not support this recommendation, the policy will not be complied with, which is not best practice.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
See “Compliance & Legal” above.
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Report Date: April 16, 2024
Author(s): Kathleen Bell
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Wilkie
Managing Director: Diane Enger
Chief Administrative Officer: Bill Fletcher