The Piedmont Laureate program is accepting applications from writers of children’s and young adult literature. Authors must be residents of Wake, Durham or Orange counties. The deadline to apply is October 9, 2020 by midnight.
The primary goal of the Piedmont Laureate program is “to promote awareness and heighten appreciation for excellence in the literary arts throughout the Piedmont region.” The program is dedicated to building a literary bridge for residents to come together and celebrate the art of writing, enriching the lives of all our citizens.
The program focuses each year on a different literary form. The 2020 Piedmont Laureate is dramatist and audio fiction writer Tamara Kissane, the 2018 Piedmont Laureate was creative nonfiction writer David Menconi.
The 2021 Piedmont Laureate will be selected by a committee appointed by the sponsoring agencies. The Laureate will receive a stipend of $6,000 and serve for one year (Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st, 2021). Laureate activities will include presenting readings and workshops, encouraging creative writing, and promoting literature in virtual and/or live environments.
The Piedmont Laureate 2021 program sponsors are the Orange County Arts Commission, City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Durham Arts Council, and United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County.
Additional information on the Piedmont Laureate program, including guidelines and the application form, is available at piedmontlaureate.org.