Calgary Arts Development and the Calgary Poet Laureate Selection Committee would like to thank all of the Calgarians who took the time to submit and/or support a nominee to be Calgary’s first Poet Laureate.

The short list of six nominees is:

• Derek Beaulieu
• Daniel Bennett, a.k.a. Transit
• Kris Demeanor
• Diane Guichon
• Tyler Perry
• Sheri-D Wilson

A volunteer selection committee representing artistic peers and literary community members weighed all aspects of the criteria for each candidate. Short listed nominees now are invited to move on to the Poet Laureate Showcase portion of the process.

The Poet Laureate Showcase is an opportunity for Calgarians to meet the diverse wealth of poetic talent in Calgary. On Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 7:00 - 9:00pm at Hotel Arts (119 12th Ave. SW), the free event will feature an evening of presentations and conversations with the Calgary Poet Laureate nominee short list. Hosted by Russell Bowers of CBC Radio’s Daybreak Alberta, the nominees will each present an example of their work, followed by a discussion of the unique contribution they hope to make in the inaugural term of the position and the value that the Calgary Poet Laureate will bring to our city.

Note: Tickets are now SOLD OUT but there will be some availability at the door. Arrive early to increase your chances of being admitted.

Members of the public will also have an opportunity to suggest questions for the short list nominees to address at the event. Questions will be solicited through Calgary Arts Development’s Facebook and Twitter accounts (hashtag #yycpoet) as well as through an upcoming Daybreak Alberta episode.

Following the Poet Laureate Showcase, the Selection Committee will meet to deliberate and choose the first Calgary Poet Laureate. The Calgary Poet Laureate will be announced in April 2012.

Background information on all of the short list nominees is available at CalgaryArtsDevelopment.com/Calgary-Poet-Laureate.

For more information on the program, email emiko.muraki@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or call 403-264-5330 ext.202.

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