The Tacoma Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the 4th annual Tacoma Poet Laureate program. The individual selected as Tacoma Poet Laureate will hold the position for two years, from May 2011 to April 2013, and will receive a $2,000 stipend for providing a minimum of two free poetry related workshops each year, reciting his/her original work at various public events, participating in Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month in November and helping produce the 2013 Tacoma Poet Laureate ceremony to announce the next Poet Laureate. Applicants must reside in Tacoma, be a practicing poet who is dedicated to producing work on a regular basis and at least 18 years of age. Other eligibility requirements apply; please see the application for full details. The Tacoma Poet Laureate program was founded in 2008 by Urban Grace Church as a way of focusing attention on Tacoma’s literary talent by organizing and hosting public readings and workshops in local schools and at community events. The program transitioned to the City of Tacoma’s Arts Program in 2011. The application deadline is Feb. 22, 2011. Information about the Tacoma Poet Laureate program and the application are available on the Tacoma Arts Commission Web site at http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/PoetLaureate.asp . Requests for hard copy applications can be directed to Cultural Arts Specialist Naomi Strom-Avila at nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5191.