The honourary Youth Poet Laureate position will serve to recognize a young poet (16 to 27 years old), who writes excellent poetry or spoken word and has written on themes that are relevant to residents in the City of Toronto.
The role of the Youth Poet Laureate is to serve as a literary ambassador for youth in the City of Toronto. The poet will act as an advocate and elevate the status of poetry, language, arts and young writers by inspiring and engaging youth to share their stories through written and spoken word.
The Youth Poet Laureate will enjoy a collaborative relationship with the Toronto Youth Cabinet, the City of Toronto’s official youth advocacy body, as well as be invited to attend municipal events to share works and increase engagement of youth with the arts.
Duties
- Serve as an advocate and ambassador for youth, poetry, literary arts and elevate the voices of young writers
- Create artistic work that reflects the values and identity of Toronto’s young people
- Perform poetry readings during at least one City Council meeting, at least one Toronto Youth Cabinet event and at least one official City of Toronto function
- Attend a variety of civic events across the City to promote and attract young people to the literary world
- Collaborate with Toronto Public Library (opens in new window) to support and enhance their youth literary arts programs
- Participate in the literary life of the City to raise the visibility of youth, literacy, poetry and spoken word
- Be willing to be mentored by the Poet Laureate during their shared terms.
Term
The Youth Poet Laureate will serve a term of two years for which they will receive an honorarium of $5,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be:
- 16 to 27 years old as of May 1, 2024
- A resident of Toronto
- Willing to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position as outlined above in the Terms of Reference
Learn more and apply. Applications are due by June 10 at 11:59 p.m.