[cid:image003.jpg@01CE02DA.F72360A0] Applications now being accepted for Tacoma Poet Laureate program The Tacoma Arts Commission is accepting applications for the fifth annual Tacoma Poet Laureate program until March 8, 2013. The individual selected as Tacoma Poet Laureate will hold the title for two years - from May 2013 to April 2015 - and receive a $2,000 stipend for advancing and actively contributing to Tacoma's literary community in meaningful ways through readings, performances, workshops, presentations, publications and/or special projects. This individual will also participate in Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month each November and help produce the 2015 Tacoma Poet Laureate ceremony announcing the next Tacoma Poet Laureate. "The Tacoma Poet Laureate program was founded in 2008 by Urban Grace Church and it transitioned over to the City of Tacoma's Arts Program in 2011," said Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride. "It's a fantastic program and a great way of infusing the literary world into the civic realm." Eligibility extends to literary artists who live or work in Tacoma and are active participants in Tacoma's poetry community. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and practicing artists, dedicated to producing poetry in any form, genre or style on a regular basis. Other eligibility requirements apply. Detailed information about the Tacoma Poet Laureate program and the application are available at tacomaculture.org/arts/poetlaureate.asp<http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/PoetLaureate.asp>. Naomi Strom-Avila Cultural Arts Specialist City of Tacoma 747 Market Street, Room 900 Tacoma, WA 98402 253.591.5191