ARE YOU LONDON’S FIRST YOUNG POET LAUREATE?

London’s leading writer development agency, Spread The Word is holding a life-changing opportunity for one poet aged 18-25 to become the city’s first ever young Poet Laureate, with commissions worth £9000 as well as outstanding growth opportunities presented by the company.

This summer, six young poets will be chosen to take part in a development week, which will include four days outside of London, concluding with the chance to perform at both Southbank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. October 3^rd, otherwise known throughout the literary world as National Poetry Day, will see a winner being announced as the first ever Young Poet Laureate for London.

Applications are invited from young people aged between 18–25. You must be in this age range on 24^th June 2013 and you must live in a London Borough, with a London postcode. You do not have to be a published poet or professional in any way, but you must show a commitment to the art form, and willing to perform.

How do I apply?

You must send the following to Spread The Word:

1. Samples of work: minimum of three and maximum of five poems – no more than 120 lines in total.
2. CV: a Writer’s CV (if you have one) and an ‘ordinary’ CV detailing education, employment/voluntary development, your contact details and your date of birth.
3. Personal Statement: please tell us in no more than 400 words what you hope to bring to the Young Poet Laureate scheme and what you hope to gain from it.
4. Write a poem: up to 30 lines, inspired by East London, The Olympics or the Olympic Legacy.
5. Confirm: that you are available for the development week of July 22nd 2013.

Send by email to: [email protected]. Please put your name in the file name (e.g. SuzieSmithCV).

Alternatively you can post your application to: Spread the Word, SPOKE YPL, The Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG.

Closing date for applications is midday on Monday 24 June 2013.

Click here for more info.