Fiscal Note
No expenditure is required.
Title
Proclaiming Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman as Madison's next Poets Laureate.
Body
Whereas, Madison’s third Poet Laureate Fabu Phillis Carter and the Madison Arts Commission issued a call for nominations for Madison’s fourth Poet Laureate; and
Whereas, Fabu and the members of the Madison Arts Commission determined that Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman were well suited to carry the torch as Madison Poets Laureate; and
Whereas, as co-editors of the poetry magazine, “Verse Wisconsin,” Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman have showcased the excellence and diversity of poetry rooted in or related to Wisconsin, connected and included all Wisconsin's poets to each other and to the larger literary world, fostered critical conversations about poetry, and built and invigorated the audience for poetry; and
Whereas, Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman are widely recognized representatives of the local and national poetry scene; and
Whereas, they have coordinated various poetry events in Madison and around the state; and
Whereas, they have worked to provide books of poetry to the Odyssey Literacy Program, to correctional facilities, to community centers, schools, libraries, colleges, nursing homes and retirement facilities; and
Whereas, they are committed to helping more people discover that poetry can be fun, funny, provocative and of great comfort in difficult times; and
Whereas, they will use the position of co-poets laureate to demonstrate that poets and other artists play an important role in the public sphere; and
Whereas, they will elevate civic discourse by continually reminding members of our community that words have meaning and weight and should be used carefully and honestly.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the City of Madison, Wisconsin does hereby name Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman MADISON POETS LAUREATE effective January 16, 2012.
Note: This position is voluntary, and the person serving as...
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