2020 Illinois Poet Laureate Search Committee and Nomination Process Announced
Governor JB Pritzker has announced the creation of the 2020 Illinois Poet Laureate Search Committee to review nominations and recommend candidates to be the next Poet Laureate for the State of Illinois.
Press Release on Search Announcement from Governor Pritzker
Nominations will be accepted July 1 - August 15, 2020 by email or mail and must meet the following required qualifications and guidelines:
Guideline and Nomination Process Document
Complete nominations may be submitted to:
IllinoisPoet2020@illinois.gov
or
Illinois Poet Laureate Search Committee
c/o Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
(recommended to use FedEx or UPS when submitting by mail)
Faxed, incomplete, or nominations received after the deadline will not be accepted.
The Governor will announce the selection of the next Illinois Poet Laureate in the Fall of 2020.
Governor Pritzker Bestows Honorary Poet Laureate Designation to Illinois Native and Legendary Singer-Songwriter John Prine
To commemorate the life of Illinois native John Prine and celebrate his writing and musical contributions, Governor Pritzker has proclaimed Prine as an Honorary Poet Laureate. The legendary singer-songwriter, who was born in Maywood, IL, passed away on April 7, 2020 after contracting COVID-19. John Prine is the first Illinoisan to receive this honorary designation.
“John had a great respect for Writers of all kinds. He regarded Poets as being among those whose work carried weight, relevance and elevated craft,” said Fiona Whelan Prine. “It is such an honor for me, our sons, and the entire Prine family to acknowledge that our beloved John will be named an Honorary Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois. Thank you, Gov. Pritzker, for this wonderful recognition.”
Proclamation from Governor Pritzker