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Bowie to establish Poet Laureate position; council sets monthly stipend
Summary
Council approved creation of a Bowie Poet Laureate and authorized a stipend of $100 per month (prorated for the initial 15‑month term). The Poet Laureate will conduct readings, youth engagement and citywide literary programming.
The City of Bowie will establish a Poet Laureate position after the council voted on Jan. 20 to authorize the Arts Committee’s proposal and set a stipend. The Arts Committee’s proposal, presented by Kathleen Parker and Valerie Michaels, described an honorary civic post that would promote poetry, literary outreach and youth engagement across city events.
The committee recommended a 15‑month initial term (to align with fiscal timing) with a typical expectation of two to three events per month and a $500 annual honorarium pro‑rated for the truncated initial term. During discussion councilmembers expressed support for the program and debated adequate compensation and event expectations; several members suggested increasing the stipend to recognize artists’ contributions. The council reached consensus to set the stipend at $100 per month (to be prorated for the first, 15‑month term) and approved the program and stipend by motion.
Eligibility and duties: applicants must be Bowie residents (one‑year residency preferred), at least 18 years old, provide writing samples and a vision statement; the Arts Committee will review applications and submit nominees for mayor-and-council approval. Duties include public readings at major city events, literary programming with schools and original works for the Bowie Spotlight.
Ending: Council directed staff to implement the application process and return with administrative steps as needed.
