Could you be Plymouth's next Young City Laureate?
This is the third year that the hunt is on to find a young person who’s passionate about poetry and writing to become Plymouth’s young city laureate.
Plymouth City Council and Literature Works are trying to find aspiring new writers in the city between the ages of 16 and 19 to apply for the honorary post.
Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet member for children, young people and public health said “This is a really great opportunity for someone to make their voice heard and who knows where it could take their future career! I know the city has lots of talented young people and I hope this encourages more of them to get writing.”
The role of Plymouth Young City Laureate is important, as the winner will be asked to create work to celebrate special events or occasions in the city as well as being expected to perform at events in libraries, schools and festivals.
The role comes with other perks as the winner will have lots of opportunities to develop their own skills, including a mentoring programme provided by Plymouth City Council in partnership with Literature Works and Plymouth University. The Young City Laureate will also be able to gain real creative work experience and the chance to help programme and perform at festivals.
To apply you need:
- to be aged between 16 and 19
- live, work or go to school or college in Plymouth.
- submit two samples of your writing
- one original poem, piece of creative writing or spoken word, inspired by ‘Plymouth’
- and one other piece of creative writing.
Closing date for entries is 30 September 2014. The winning entry will be chosen by a panel of judges from Plymouth City Council, Plymouth University, Literature Works and a well-known author.
The first prize will be an iPad, with prizes for second and third place as well.
The Young City Laureate will be announced at the launch party for Plymouth’s international literary festival on Friday 17 October 2014 to which their family and friends will be invited.
Entries may be submitted by post or email and recordings (audio or video) will also need a copy of the text included.
Post or deliver your entries to: Literature Works, c/o Peninsula Arts, Roland Levinsky Building, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA or email info@literatureworks.org.uk - make the subject title of the email ‘Plymouth Young City Laureate 2014′. Ensure your entry includes your name, address, and mobile phone number.
