TAMRMS#: B06
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Approval of the New Poet Laureate
Presented by: Paul Pearson, Cultural Business & Events Manager
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
That Julia Sorensen be appointed as St. Albert’s Poet Laureate for a two-year term commencing May 2020 and ending April 2022.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
This report provides the recommendation from the Poet Laureate selection panel that was appointed by the CEO of the St. Albert Public Library, to recommend to Council a St. Albert Poet Laureate for 2020/21.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On February 18, 2020 Council adopted Policy CB-20-017, the St. Albert Poet Laureate Policy (attached for information).
On March 16, 2020 Council Passed the following motion:
That City Council assign the task of reviewing applications and recommending a person for appointment by Council as Poet Laureate for St. Albert to an independent Poet Laureate committee or panel appointed by the CEO of the St. Albert Public Library.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On March 24, a Poet Laureate selection panel was convened digitally by the St. Albert Public Library to evaluate the three applications received for the position of Poet Laureate.
The panel was made up of three professionals with literary arts backgrounds and no conflicts of interest with the nomines.
Due to the unique circumstances created by COVID-19, the selection panel deliberated over email. The selection panel was organized and monitored by a St. Albert Public Library representative and the Community Cultural Coordinator who were non-voting members.
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
Three applications were received in 2020.
The selection panel unanimously recommends that the following person be named the St. Albert Poet Laureate for a two-year term commencing April 2020 and ending April 2022:
Julia Sorensen
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
• Posters
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
The Poet Laureate will receive funding in May of 2020 and April of 2021 ($1000 has been allocated for 2020). These funds will come from the existing Community Services operating budget.
Legal / Risk:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
Existing program that supports the development of a robust cultural and literary community in St. Albert.
Organizational:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS 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 Committee for future review and consideration.
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Report Date: May 4, 2020
Author: Paul Pearson
Department: Community Services
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble