November 1, 2017

The City of Portland is seeking candidates to serve as our next Creative Laureate.

The Creative Laureate, established in 2012 by former Mayor Sam Adams, serves as the official ambassador for the broader creative community in Portland, Oregon.

Photographer Julie Keefe, the City’s first Creative Laureate, has served our community with distinction.

Portland’s Creative Laureate can be from any creative industry. This includes painters; potters; dancers; musicians; authors; poets; filmmakers; artists working in spoken word, mixed media, or digital media; crafters or makers; or anyone who feels they represent the broader creative community and can meet the basic expectations below.

The Laureate will be expected to actively participate in a select number of public events, including public speaking engagements, workshops, and displays or presentations of their own artistic work, as well as regular interactions with the media. The duties of this position call for a balance between advocacy, education, and ceremonial functions. The ideal candidate should be a self-starter, with excellent time management and good professional judgement.

The Creative Laureate is considered a public official, and will be expected to represent the City accordingly, adhering to public records laws and other community expectations. The position is unpaid, but will receive a $5,000 stipend for the two-year commitment to compensate for any direct costs associated with official duties.

The Laureate reports directly to the City’s Arts Commissioner, meeting at regular intervals with the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s staff. The term of service is two years, and the position is not eligible for reappointment.

The Creative Laureate will be expected to participate in the selection process for his or her successor.

Candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

   • Record of high quality work.

   • Connection to the broader arts community.

   • Willingness to serve a full term.

   • Commitment to meet the expectations and time requirements of this volunteer position.

   • A personal commitment to equity and expanding access to the arts.

Applications will be accepted starting November 1, 2017 through December 15, 2017.

The Creative Laureate will be selected and announced in mid-January 2018.

Apply Now!

In no more than 1-2 pages, please answer each of the following questions:

   • Why do you want to be the City of Portland’s Creative Laureate?

   • What qualifications do you have that would make you a successful Creative Laureate?

   • What do you hope to accomplish during your time as the Creative Laureate?

Please submit applications to Amira.Streeter@portlandoregon.gov no later than 5:00pm on Friday, December 15, 2017, and attach a resume or CV.