Wisconsin
Current Laureate:
Bruce Dethlefsen
Start of Term:
January 1, 2011 Position History:
Position may soon be abolished. Governor Tommy Thompson created a Poet Laureate Nominating Commission "in
Executive Order 404, July 31, 2000, to recommend candidates for the poet laureate
of Wisconsin. The 7 members were appointed to 4-year terms. Each of 5 organizations
recommended one person for membership: the Council for Wisconsin Writers,
the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association,
the Wisconsin Humanities Council, and the Wisconsin Arts Board. The governor
directed the commission to recommend three candidates; assign responsibilities
to the poet laureate; and assist that individual in performing official duties.
The poet laureate is required to choose and lead one project that will contribute
to the growth of poetry in this state subject to commission approval; plan
and attend at least four statewide literary events each year; and perform in
at least four government, state, and civil events as requested by the governor’s
office, school systems, and literary organizations. Governor Thompson appointed
Ellen Kort, of Appleton, to a four-year term in December 2000" (2001-2002
Wisconsin Blue Book, p. 338). Bruce Dethlefsen was appointed Wisconsin poet laureate by Gov. Jim Doyle. On February 4, 2011, The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission received a form letter from the office of Gov. Scott Walker indicating that the commission would be abolished. Although this action would effectively end the official position of Wisonsin Poet Laureate, Mr. Dethlefsen plans to continue, without state-sanctioning, in his role as state poet. The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission is in the process of seeking support from a nonprofit group.
Previous Laureates:
Ellen Kort (appointed December 22, 2000-2004)
Denise Sweet (September 7, 2004-2008)
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