REDMOND, WA – Redmond City Council has appointed Laura Da’ as Redmond’s new poet laureate for 2022-23. Da’ was selected through a robust process that included applying to an open call, followed by a selection panel of poets and Arts & Culture Commissioners, and individual interviews by the Commission, Mayor Angela Birney, and the City Council.
Da’ is Eastern Shawnee, a poet, and a teacher. A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da’ studied creative writing at the University of Washington and the Institute of American Indian Arts. Her first book, Tributaries, was published by the University of Arizona Press and won a 2016 American Book Award. Her newest book, Instruments of the True Measure, is the winner of the Washington State Book Award. Da’ has held residencies at the Richard Hugo House, Tin House, and Jack Straw. Da’ lives near Seattle with her husband and son.
The Redmond Poet Laureate Program builds a more literate and understanding community through poetry and the literary arts by broadening the awareness of poetry and expressing the spirit of Redmond culture. Established in 2008, the Poet Laureate program produces a variety of programming and community engagement opportunities offered to Redmond residents and visitors. Along with commissioned poetry, poetry talks, readings, exhibits, and workshops, previous poets’ work has appeared on bridges, signature events, and temporary art installations.
For more information on Redmond’s Arts program, visit www.redmond.gov/Arts.
CONTACT:
Jill E. Smith, Communications Manager
jesmith@redmond.gov, 425-556-2448