After appointing its first poet laureate in 2017 and second in 2024, the city of Berkeley is now seeking a third to hold the title. ⁠ ⁠ The role was created to honor a Berkeley-based poet as a creative ambassador of the local art community and mentor to upcoming artists. Rafael Jesús González, who has been involved in the Bay Area’s arts and literary scene since 1968, served as the first poet laureate from 2017 to 2022. He added he was appointed before the role had formalized expectations. ⁠ ⁠ After González’s term, the role became more formalized, entailing a two-year tenureship for a $5,000 honorarium. During this term, the poet laureate must write one original poem inspired by Berkeley, coordinate at least one public reading event per year, recite a poem at up to five city or library events per year and mentor Berkeley’s Youth Poet Laureate. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Read more through the link in bio.⁠ ⁠ ✍️: Ayah Alsheikha⁠ 📸: Maya Hundley⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #ucberkeley #dailycal #berkeley #berkeleypoetlaureat...