Hillsborough Poet Laureate Program History

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Since 2010, this respected program has celebrated Hillsborough's literary culture and diversity. This program aims to honor and support talented citizen-poets, building on Hillsborough's rich literary heritage. 

 

In 2020, Hillsborough, NC’s Poet Laureate application was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, an attempt was made to relaunch the program, but with minimal public response, stakeholders decided to take a thoughtful pause to reconsider how best to ensure the program serves our mission, community, and the current landscape of literary artists active in Hillsborough. 

 

Now, with a clear vision, we are excited to extend this opportunity once again to our community!

 

​Poet Laureate Position Description

 

The Hillsborough Poet Laureate must be a citizen-poet who cares deeply about community service and poetry advocacy in Hillsborough. Ideally, they will develop a town presence during their two-year term, nurturing the appreciation of poetry and literature in Hillsborough by conducting public readings, workshops, lectures, or presentations in diverse public settings.

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While the expectations below are the Hillsborough Arts Council’s ideals for our future Poet Laureate, we are flexible and want our applicants to bring their own skill set, expertise, and perspective to the position. We welcome collaboration during the application process and contract negotiation.  

 

The Poet Laureate shall be expected to:

 

• Have the ability to fulfill the responsibilities of their full, two-year term from spring 2025 to spring 2027
   

• Participate and perform at the following Town and County events:

  • 2025 Poet Laureate Inauguration, April 2025

  • At minimum, two Last Fridays per calendar year

  • 2 additional town or county events per calendar year

  • 2027 Inauguration of the next Poet Laureate, spring 2027
     

• Develop poetry programming alongside the Hillsborough Arts Council that complements HAC’s upcoming programming schedule, brand identity, and mission of enriching community through the arts. Examples of potential projects might include: 

  • Workshops or educational series open to all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels

  • Public service or poetry advocacy offering access to underserved audiences and communities

    • For example, open mic nights, public performances, free workshops, or readings at a veterans organization, domestic violence shelter, or correctional institution

  • Work already planned or scheduled by the poet may be considered.
     

• Keep a record of poems performed as Poet Laureate for historical documentation

 

Hillsborough Poet Laureate Stipend

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Honorarium: $6,000/term ($3,000/year)

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Payment Timeline:​

• $1,500, start of the term, April 2025

• $1,500, 1st quarter check-in, June 2025

• $3,000, January 2026

 

There may be potential for the Poet Laureate to have access to additional funds for poetry programming through the Hillsborough Arts Council during their term. 

 

We encourage our Poet Laureate to pursue additional paid opportunities as long as it does not interfere with Poet Laureate duties and obligations. The Hillsborough Arts Council does not take on the role of an agent for the Poet Laureate, and all additional opportunities outside of their HAC contract should be managed directly by the Poet Laureate.​

 

Applicant Eligibility & Criteria to Apply

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A Poet Laureate applicant must:

 

• Reside in Orange County; and

• Be at least 18 years of age or older.

 

A strong candidate will demonstrate the following:

 

• Community Ties: Applicants must have traceable ties through personal or professional connections to the Town of Hillsborough, a strong interest in serving the local community, and subject relevance in their submitted works.

• A Passion for Poetry: Applicants must demonstrate a passion for poetry, performance, and public speaking. 

• A Developed & Unique Poetic Voice: Applicants will be evaluated based on the effectiveness, clarity, and engagement of the written work, as well as a unique and strong poetic voice and perspective. 

• Engaging Performance Quality: Applicants will be evaluated based on their comfort with public speaking and ability to engage an audience.​

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Application Materials

 

Please submit the following:

 

• CV: A 1-2 page curriculum vitae or résumé that details the course of the applicant’s career

• Statement of Purpose: A 500-600 word statement which explores the applicant’s interest in the Hillsborough’s Poet Laureate position, community connections, their point of view as an artist, and ideas for programming to bring poetry to the community

• Poetry Samples: 4-5 written works of poetry within the last five years. These can be previously published works or unpublished works.

• Live Performance Example: A video no longer than three minutes of the applicant reading or performing their poetry. These videos can be self-recorded in an applicant’s home, recorded at open-mic nights, or events at which the applicant read or performed. *No favor or preference will be given to those who have had the opportunity to perform live at events.*

 

Personal information, such as name and contact information, will be redacted by a designated HAC staff member from all written submitted application materials – CV, Statement of Purpose, and Poetry Samples – to ensure a semi-blind jurying process.