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APPROVE STOCKTON ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION OF TAMA BRISBANE AS THE CITY OF STOCKTON POET LAUREATE
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a motion approving a recommendation by the Stockton Arts Commission naming Tama Brisbane as the City of Stockton Poet Laureate for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016. It is further recommended that the motion authorize the City Manager to take necessary actions to complete the intent of this motion including the execution of all necessary documents and agreements.
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Summary
In November 2014, the City Council voted to approve a strategic priority initiative for the appointment of a Stockton Poet Laureate position and a $2,000 annual stipend. In March 2015, the Stockton Arts Commission formed an Ad Hoc panel to solicit applicants and interview finalists. Tama Brisbane was selected by the Ad Hoc committee, approved by the full Stockton Arts Commission, and is recommended for appointment by Stockton City Council as Stockton’s first Poet Laureate.
DISCUSSION
Background
For centuries, Poet Laureates have been appointed by governing bodies to memorialize special occasions and events. In November 2014, the City Council approved funding for a number of projects consistent with its strategic priority areas of focus. Through the process, Council appropriated $2,000 for a Poet Laureate who could promote literary programs and increase the awareness of poetry and the literary arts in Stockton. To support the initiative, Stockton Arts Commission solicited applications from March 2 through March 31, 2015, to find a candidate most qualified to foster an appreciation of poetry in the lives of Stockton citizens. Ten applications were received.
The Stockton Arts Commission then formed an Ad Hoc Committee representing a broad range of talent, background, sexual and gender orientation, cultural diversity, and age. The Committee included Acting Chair Joel Reyna, two Stockton Arts Commissioners (Allison Lafferty and Donna Armstrong) and two community members (Ryan Camero of Placeholder Magazine, and Val Acoba of Red Dragon Youth Theatre).
The Committee met April 4, 2015, to review and rank the ten applications. Applicants were ranked in the following areas: body of work; publications; a strong connection to Stockton; ability to express an awareness of the past, present, and future of Stockton; and the ability to champion Stockton’s potential. Three finalists were scheduled for an interview and performance on April 6, 2015. After the interviews, the final candidates were again ranked, and the highest ranked candidate was recommended to the Stockton Arts Commission for approval. The full Stockton Arts Commission reviewed and accepted the Ad Hoc committee selection directly after the interviews on April 6, 2015.
Present Situation
Tama Brisbane was interviewed and selected as the best candidate for Poet Laureate based on her published work, poetry, spoken word, and literary compositions. Stockton Arts Commission recommends the appointment of Ms. Brisbane effective August 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. She will be paid a $2,000 stipend in quarterly installments. The position will include one additional mutual option to continue the program for FY 2016-2017 if funds are available.
The main responsibilities of the Poet Laureate will be to provide a minimum of six readings per fiscal year as approved by Director of Community Services, create an arts project to bring poetic art to those youth who might not otherwise have this exposure, serve as public advocate for appreciation and advancement of poetry and literary arts, and serve as a liaison between youth and literary/arts organizations. A Scope of Services is included as Attachment A. This Scope of Services is within the authority of the City Manager to execute.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Sufficient funds are available for the Poet Laureate target program in the Community Services - Recreation - Special Events Division account no. 044-3646-590.
Attachment A - Scope of Services