Wisconsin

Current Laureate:
Denise Sweet

Start of Term:
September 7, 2004

Position History:
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).

Previous Laureates:
Ellen Kort (appointed December 22, 2000)

Further Resources:

• Executive Order 404 is not available online. For information about obtaining a copy of this Executive Order, contact State of Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. Also see the Wisconsin Subject Index to Executive Orders from 1965-2003.
• Publications by Denise Sweet in the Library's online catalog.