KANSAS

Making the Most of Poet Laureates
Writing Across Kansas & Ad Astra Poetry Project

The Kansas Arts Commission coordinates the selection of its state’s poet laureate. Once selected, the poet laureate is expected to create and implement a statewide educational or outreach poetry program; serve as an advisor and judge at the annual Poetry Out Loud competition; and make appearances, read at and potentially write poetry for official state functions such as the Governor’s Arts Awards and the opening of the legislative session. The poet laureate serves a term of two fiscal years and receives a $2,500 honorarium per year and up to $2,500 of expenses for her or his annual project. Recent educational outreach projects include Writing Across Kansas and the Ad Astra Poetry Project. Contact Kansas Arts Commission Program Manager of Community and Artist Partnerships Christine Dotterweich Bial to find out more.