TO: Internal Committee - 3P
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Parks
Loreen Hamilton
425-556-2336
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Parks
Hannah Coleman
Cultural Arts Coordinator
Parks
Chris Weber
Cultural Arts Supervisor
Parks
Brittany Pratt
Recreation Business Manager
Parks
Zach Houvener
Parks Deputy Director
TITLE:
title
Poet Laureate Selection
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Established in 2008 by Ordinance 2444, the Poet Laureate program builds a more literate and understanding community through poetry and the literary arts by broadening the awareness of poetry and expressing the spirit of Redmond culture. The selection process for Redmond's 9th Poet Laureate is in process with the Arts & Culture Commission recommending Nancy Mburu to be interviewed by the Mayor and City Council later this month, for potential appointment at the September 16 City Council Meeting.
Nancy Mburu is an author and performing poet. Her writing amplifies the experiences and stories of East African immigrants in an authentic way that also encompasses black diasporans' complex relationship with culture, tradition, language, gender dynamics, and race. Her style involves uplifting her culture by incorporating her native language Swahili and rooting her stories in their cultural and political context. Nancy has a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington, and is a former Jack Straw writer.
body
? Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
? Receive Information ? Provide Direction ? Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
* Relevant Plans/Policies:
2023 PARCC Plan, 2017 Public Art Plan
* Required:
Ordinance #2444 - Establishing a Poet Laureate
* Council Request:
Enter the meeting and date when Council requested this information.
* Other Key Facts:
Enter any additional information to explain why this item is coming forward.
OUTCOMES:
The goal of the Redmond Poet Laureate program is to make a significant contr...
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