Rhode Island searching for its next state poet

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  If you’re a Rhode Islander who loves poetry, you may want to consider applying to be the state’s next poet laureate.

Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts announced Friday that they are looking to fill the position.

Rhode Island picked its first state poet back in 1987, now after six poets and almost 40 years, they’re looking for a new one.

“Poet laureate is a public advocate for poetry,” explained current State Poet Tine Cane. “Not all states have one, but many do. And I think it’s really great that our state does because it sends a message that poetry is something that is culturally important and should be part of civic life.”

Cane has served as the state poet since 2016, and while the position has some standard requirements, like writing for the governor’s inauguration, she said there’s a lot of freedom in what you can do with the job.

“The job comes with no job description, so each poet laureate is free to approach the post how they see fit,” Cane said.

Over her 8 years as the state’s poet, Cane brought several programs to students in Rhode Island, approaching the position like an educator.

“I thought more in kind of a programmatic sense, and of course engaging with the public and going and doing different events and collaborating with organizations and so forth,” Cane continued.

The state is looking to fill the position for the next five years and anyone interested in applying needs to be a Rhode Island resident over the age of 18 and must be a practicing poet.

According to the Rhode Island Council on the Arts, being a “practicing poet” that means you’re committed to the art form, and either it will, or already does, make up some portion of your income.

“I think that one of the most important qualities would be a willingness to engage with the public, an ability to meet people where they are and to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life — and to seek that out,” Cane said.

The position pays a $1,000 stipend every year and applications are open until August 21st.

Interested applicants can apply and find more information here.