Communities, non-profit organizations, service organizations, and educational institutions may submit applications requesting the participation of the Saskatchewan Poet Laureate at a special event in Saskatchewan.

 What Events are Eligible for Funding by the Program

 Preference will be given for events that meet the following criteria:

• are linked to a significant community event (e.g. festival, anniversary, historical milestone)
• involve a public presentation (e.g. lecture, awards presentation, luncheon address)
• show a willingness to promote both the event and the presence and participation of the Poet Laureate
• involve partnerships with other organizations (e.g. school, library, service club, arts organization)

 Events Not Eligible for Program Funding

• workshops
• readings in schools (unless they arae accompanied by an event of a celebratory nature, such as the marking of an anniversary or the awarding of prizes)
• events that are closed to the general public (unless it is a special event for a non-profit organisation)

Potential host organisations can also book Louise privately.  

 Costs Involving the Poet Laureate

 Costs Covered By the Program

 The program will cover the cost of the Poet Laureate's fee, travel, and meal expenses. 

 Costs To Be Covered By the Host Organisation

 The host organization is responsible for covering the cost of the Poet Laureate's accommodation, if required.

 How to Apply

 If you would like to invite the Poet Laureate to your event, please take the following steps

• check to see that your event is eligible for funding by the Poet Laureate program (see above)
• check to see if the Poet Laureate is available on the date your event is scheduled; the schedule is posted at http://www.skwriter.com/plevent.html and updated weekly
• fill in an application form, either by downloading it from http://www.skwriter.com/plapp.html or by getting in touch with the office and asking for one (swg@sasktel.net or 306-757-6310).  Please note: applications must be submitted and approved in advance of the event for funding to be proviced
• applications must be received at least four weeks prior to the event, and bookings depend on the availability of the Poet Laureate and available funding
• send the form to the attention of Amy Nelson-Mile, Program Officer, at the SWG office (Box 3986, Regina SK, S4P 3R9); fax it to 306-565-8554; or E-mail it to amynelson.mile@sasktel.net
  

 If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter which will include Louise's contact information.

For Further Information

 If you would like any further information on the program, call SWG Program Officer Amy Nelson-Mile at 306-791-7743 or send an e-mail to amynelson.mile@sasktel.net. 

---

Background

 

Objectives of the Poet Laureate Program

1. To celebrate the spirit of the people and place of Saskatchewan
2. To raise the profile of writers in Saskatchewan
3. To elevate writing as a vocation
4. To raise awareness of the power of poetry and the spoken word
5. To create a recognized spokesperson for writing in general and poetry in particular who will be a respected participant of festive occasions and official functions in the province
6. To be a focal point for the expression of Saskatchewan cultures (time, land, people) through the literary arts.
   

History of the Program

• In 2000 Saskatchewan became the first province in Canada to officially designate a provincial Poet Laureate.

• Glen Sorestad was the first author to hold the position; his term began on 01 December 2000 and ended on 30 November 2004

• 2005's Poet Laureate was Louise Halfe (Sky Dancer)

• In November 2006, Robert Currie was chosen as the province's third official Poet Laureate