About the Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate Program
The Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate Program began in 2021 as an ad hoc group of local poets who believed that Bainbridge Island, home to many poets, artists, and writers, was an ideal community for the establishment of a city poet laureate. With support from the City of Bainbridge Island and Arts & Humanities Bainbridge, along with funding from the Bainbridge Community Foundation, the poet laureate steering committee launched an Island-wide search for the inaugural Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate.
Michele Bombardier was enthusiastically selected for a two-term beginning January 1, 2023. Visit Michele’s website to learn more about her and what she does!
In August 2023, the poet laureate steering committee formed a Washington State non-profit corporation under the fiscal sponsorship of Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN).
What is a Poet Laureate?
Simply put, a Poet Laureate is an advocate for the art of poetry. More specifically, a Poet Laureate is a writer, teacher, host, and communicator who can connect with individuals and community groups to promote the writing and enjoyment of poetry on Bainbridge Island.
The activities of the Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate include:
Composing and reading poems at community events and public meetings;
Championing the art of poetry and the spoken word in person and on social media;
Encouraging appreciation and practice of poetry and creative expression by a wide range of Bainbridge and Kitsap County residents, including youth;
Celebrating the city’s cultural heritage through the spoken word;
Presenting readings and workshops that are free and open to the public, including visits in schools and events for young people.
Interfacing with poets and poets laureate from other communities, thus enriching Bainbridge poets’ writing lives with a broader range of information and opportunities.
Creating a signature poetry project.