During a reading at the Durango Public Library, Colorado Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre announced the establishment of Durango’s very own Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate positions.

“Poet Laureates and poets across the world are the carpenters of change and it’s really cool that you all have a local program here in a town that is already so rich with poetry and the literary arts,” LeFebre said.

The selection process will be nomination-based, said Turner Wyatt, a Durango local who initiated the program. While the details are not yet finalized, Wyatt said each nominee will be required to submit a writing sample and develop an argument for why they would be a good fit for the position.

“We’re really passionate about diversity, equity and inclusivity. And so there will probably be a desire to make sure that diverse voices are included in the program and that’ll be a part of the criteria that will be solidified by that committee once it’s organized,” Wyatt said.

Nominations will be reviewed by a poetry committee that will announce the adult and youth poet laureates in late 2023 or January 2024.

Terms will begin in 2024 and end in 2027, during which time the Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate will receive annual stipends of $2,000 and $500, respectively.

“It’s a modest reimbursement for really amazing work that is happening here,” Wyatt said.

Program funding is derived from the Lodgers Tax Arts and Culture Fund which is designed to support the arts in Durango.

During their three-year terms, the Poet Laureates will be expected to write poetry highlighting and celebrating to the Durango area, as well as engaging the public with the arts.

“We want to establish more of a culture of poetry in Durango,” Wyatt said. “We hope the program helps solidify Durango as a hub for poetry within the state of Colorado and nationally.”

lveress@durangoherald.com