May 3, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

This is Santa Monica’s First-Ever Poet Laureate

Her Work Touches Subjects of Personal Narrative, Individual/Cultural Identity, Philosophy, and Spirituality

By Zach Armstrong

As part of an effort to magnify literary works and bolster literary creations that celebrate the dynamic nature of Santa Monica, the City along with its public library have announced the seaside charter town’s first-ever Poet Laureate. 

Anne Carmack, a local, mixed-race multidisciplinary artist, has been selected for the position. Her work, as described by a City government post, touches subjects of personal narrative, individual/cultural identity, philosophy, and spirituality through various modalities: poetry, painting, photography, filmmaking, storytelling and screenwriting. 

Within a day of its 2020 release, Carmack’s debut poetry collection, “My Own Body Breathing,” became an Amazon #1 Best Seller. It can be found for check out at: https://tinyurl.com/4wmv4w77. Her other writings and artwork can also be viewed at https://annecarmack.substack.com/

“As a long-time resident and dedicated poet/artist, Anne embodies the spirit and the soul of Santa Monica through her words and her art. We look forward to experiencing the inclusive, unifying, and powerful nature of poetry in all its forms with our community.” said Library Director Erica Cuyugan in a statement. 

Carmack’s two-year term, which commenced on March 21, comes with several key tasks: creating an annual poem that glorifies Santa Monica; conducting two yearly writing workshops at a local public school, the Library or at community events; coordinating poetry programs each year for the Library’s National Poetry Month activities; among others. The term is accompanied by a $5,000 annual stipend. 

Applications opened for the honorary role in late October and concluded in Mid-December; open to Santa Monica residents aged 18 and above. At the time, it was reported that the selection process would be executed by a Poet Laureate Review Panel, consisting of community members drawn from the Arts Commission, Library Board, Friends of the Library Board, and city staff.

Westside locals have a chance to meet Carmack at the following events:

  • A poetry workshop and welcome reception for the Poet Laureate. Taking place on Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Main Library, Multi-purpose Room and Central Courtyard. 
  • The Arts & Literacy Festival at Virginia Avenue Park. Taking place Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can contribute words to a poem by Carmack in honor of the Pico Branch Library’s 10th Anniversary. The poem will be revealed and read by the Poet Laureate at the Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
in News, upbeat
Related Posts

Wise & Healthy Aging Goes Gray on Denim Day

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

In observance of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nonprofit that advances the dignity and quality of life for older...

Police Seek Suspect Who Burglarized Downtown Santa Monica Office Building

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

The Building Houses the Offices of a Legal Services Company and a Local Newspaper By Zach Armstrong An investigation is underway...

Barely Canadian Set to Launch Exclusive Apparel Collection at Neiman Marcus Topanga

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

The upcoming event, coinciding with National Foster Care Month, will showcase a range of jumpers, joggers, and hoodies Barely Canadian,...

Winston Bernard Cenac Jr.

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

Winston Bernard Cenac Jr., age 73, passed away on January 22, 2024, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. Winston was born...

(Video) New Interactive Kiosk Gives Downtown Passerby Details on Local Attractions, Public Transit

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

The Kiosk Will Reportedly Give the City of Santa Monica 50% of Revenue @yovenicenews The Kiosks are a new fun...

Beck to Perform at Venice Family Clinic’s Inaugural HEART Gala

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Among the expected talent attendees are Anjelica Huston, Chuck Lorre, Elisabeth Shue, Richard Chamberlain, Robby Krieger, Tom Morello Venice Family...

Human Rights Play Center Stage with Two Award-Winning Films Opening this Weekend at Laemmle Monica Film Center

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Cinema Libre Studio, a Burbank-based independent distribution company with a focus on social issue films, has two powerful films opening...

UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment Dismantled After Night of Counter Protesters’ Violence

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

LAPD and Other Agencies Sent in For “Student Safety”, Students Arrested  The UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment was removed during the...

UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment Attacked by Counter-Protesters During the Night/Early Morning Hours

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Violence Erupts as Demonstrators Face Aggression During Tense Overnight Attacks On the night and early morning of April 30 into...

(Video) Footage of the Violent Counter Protesters at UCLA. TW: For Language and Violence

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

This reporter was grabbed and cursed at the end of the video. @yovenicenews Footage of the Violent Counter Protesters at...

Reactions From Local Authorities About the Violent Attacks April 30 at UCLA

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Condemnation for the Incident and How it Was Handled Pour In After the terrifying events on the night and early...

These Bike-Centric Events Are Coming to Santa Monica This Month

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

The Festivities Extend Beyond May, With the Aids/Lifecycle Finish Line Festival on June 8 As Bike Month kicks off, the...

Burglary Suspect Arrested on Abbot Kinney Over the Weekend

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

No Injuries Were Reported By Zach Armstrong The Los Angeles Police Department arrested a burglary suspect in Venice over the...

Cinco de Mayo Festival Coming to Oakwood Park This Weekend

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

Revelers Can Expect to Be Entertained by Aztec Dancers, Grupo la Rosa Folklorico Dancers, and Charro (Mexican Dancing Horses) The...

Cirque du Soleil Is Returning to the Santa Monica Pier

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

This Marks Cirque du Soleil’s First Big Top Show In Santa Monica Since 2014 The renowned Cirque du Soleil production,...