For Immediate Release: July 18, 2024

POET LAUREATE HONORIFIC ESTABLISHED BY CITY OF COEUR D’ALENE

The City of Coeur d’Alene is pleased to announce the establishment of the honorific of ‘Coeur d’Alene Poet Laureate’. Poets, including songwriters, who are 18 years of age or older and residents of Coeur d’Alene are encouraged to apply through Friday, August 9, 2024.

The Coeur d’Alene Poet Laureate will have the unique opportunity to reflect the city’s distinctive landscapes, social situations, and significant events through their art. This initiative is designed not only to foster a deeper appreciation for poetry and literature within the community but also to document Coeur d’Alene’s distinctive character. The City Council authorized this poet laureate program proposal during its regular meeting on July 2, 2024.

The Poel Laureate will be appointed by the mayor upon recommendation of the Arts Commission and subject to City Council confirmation.  The Poet Laureate will serve a term of three fiscal years (October–September) and will receive an annual honorarium of $1,500. During their term, the Poet Laureate will be commissioned to:

• Write at least two (2) original works each year to be entered into the City’s Public Art Collection.  These works will be published in local publications and/or presented at public occasions.
• Perform at least three (3) local readings each year: one at the Mayor’s Awards in the Arts, one at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library for the National Poetry Month, and one at the regular City Council meeting.
• Work to raise the visibility of poetry and other literary arts within the community through outreach, education, and other programs.

Interested poets and songwriters are invited to submit their applications via email to Jo Anne Mateski at [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024. The application should include:

• A one-page letter of interest detailing the applicant’s connection to Coeur d’Alene and proposed outreach initiatives or programs that could be implemented in the community, including the applicant’s address.
• Three original poems or songs (with publication credits, if applicable).
• A résumé highlighting qualifications and publications.
• A video or web link to a video of the applicant performing a sample of their work.

This exciting new program underscores Coeur d’Alene’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural community and celebrating the rich tapestry of its local artistic talents. ###

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2024

CdA Arts Commission seeks Artists for “ArtCurrents”

The City of Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission is seeking artists to participate in its “ArtCurrents” program.    Artists submit applications for placement of their sculptures around downtown Coeur d’Alene and Riverstone for a period of one (1) year, with an option to renew for a second year.  The displayed works should be created and displayed with the intention of selling within the year, with the City of Coeur d’Alene receiving a 25% commission from the sale. The Arts Commission has set a minimum cost for the piece at $5,000 with a maximum cost of $25,000 to make the art accessible to a variety of buyers.

The selected artists or artist’s teams will be paid a stipend of $1,000.00 for the first year.  A second stipend of $1,000.00 may be paid to the artists at the start of the second year should the Arts Commission choose to retain the piece.  ArtCurrents pieces are displayed along Sherman Avenue, Lakeside Avenue, City Park, and the Riverstone area.

Public art is a distinguishing part of our public history and our culture. It creates and enhances neighborhood and community identity. It adds to the visual landscape and character of the city.  It turns ordinary spaces into community landmarks, promotes diverse dialogue and, most importantly, is accessible to everyone. ArtCurrents is looking for creative artists who capture the spirit and atmosphere of the environment in which we live. Pieces are encouraged to center on themes or interpretations of the Northwest in any form. These artworks may be in any medium that will withstand the elements year-round and can be abstract or realistic. ArtCurrents provides high visibility outdoor gallery space for each piece chosen throughout high traffic streets, parks, and public spaces in town. These pieces enrich the beauty of our city landscape while providing exposure to the artist with the intent of selling the piece. 

Applications must be received through the CaFÉ website (www.callforentry.org) no later than 5:00 p.m. PST on July 1, 2024.  The call is entitled: “Coeur d’Alene Art Currents 2024”.

Installation of the artwork will begin in October.

For more information about the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission, visit our website at www.cdaid.org/arts.