Kansas Poet Laureate -- History

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Jonathan Holden
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“We anticipate that the program will not only honor Kansas poets, but will also promote and encourage appreciation of poetry in Kansas by making the selected Poet Laureate available to a wider audience throughout the entire state.”
Kansas Arts Commission Director, Dave Wilson

Governor Kathleen Sebelius and the Kansas Arts Commission established the Kansas Poet Laureate program in 2004. The original impetus (from the Office of the Governor) for the creation of a poet laureate post in Kansas began in response to numerous requests received at the Kansas Arts Commission and the Office of the Governor suggesting that such a position be established. Responding to those requests, the Kansas Arts Commission voted to proceed (with the approval of the Governor) in the development of guidelines for a poet laureate position. Guidelines were developed with input from Kansas poets and KAC staff research of other states’ poet laureate programs.

Jonathan Holden, the first selected Poet Laureate of Kansas, will serve for a period of two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007. He will simultaneously serve on the Kansas Arts Commission Touring Roster. Organizations and schools may apply to receive a Kansas Arts Commission grant to help support a visit by the poet laureate.

The Poet Laureate of Kansas will establish a program of his or her design to coincide with the term of service. This may include workshops, special reading series, school programs, conferences, specially commissioned poems or other projects promoting appreciation and writing of poetry in Kansas.