Friends, I have a new job in 2020!
Last week, it was announced that I was selected to be the 2020 Piedmont Laureate. As the Laureate, I develop programming, conduct and facilitate workshops and readings, and participate in speaking engagements. This year’s focus is on playwriting.
The Piedmont Laureate program is dedicated to building a literary bridge for residents to come together and celebrate the art of writing. Co-sponsored by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Durham Arts Council, Orange County Arts Commission and United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County, the Piedmont Laureate program’s mission is to “promote awareness and heighten appreciation for excellence in the literary arts throughout the Piedmont region.”
Press release for piedmont laureate 2020
If you’d like to know more, here’s a post in the IndyWeek by Brian Howe: Tamara Kissane is Your New Piedmont Laureate with a quote below about why I’m so excited.
“It’s easy for me to lift up our regional playwrights because there’s so much talent here, and I am excited to encourage others to write,” Kissane told the INDY. “Writing has truly transformed my life. If others can experience even a little of that magic as playwrights or audience members, then I’ll be thrilled and satisfied. Experiencing a powerful script—whether it’s powerfully funny, gut-wrenching, or thought-provoking—is one of my greatest joys. I want to give people a taste of that joy and perhaps remind people who have forgotten.”
INDYweek blog post by Brian Howe
And here’s the official City of Raleigh announcement: Tamara Kissane Selected as 2020 Piedmont Laureate.
As you might guess, I am thrilled and grateful for this opportunity. The Piedmont Laureate work will consume much of my time and energy in 2020, and I’m eager to dig in.
That’s where YOU come in.
The survey mentioned below is now closed since the deadline has passed. Thanks for your interest. If you have input related to the Piedmont Laureate programming in 2020, please connect with me via the contact form on the PL site. Thanks!
Please, would you complete this 4 minute survey and give me feedback on the programming that interests you and that you believe would have an impact? Your input will assist me as I focus and devise a calendar for the year.
(Complete the survey as soon as possible and definitely by Friday, January 17, 2020, so I can incorporate your data and kick it into high gear.)
In the next month or so, I’ll start writing blog posts for the Piedmont Laureate site, and managing the social media accounts for that program. Stay tuned for links to those, as well as information about how you can stay looped in on upcoming events.
For now, I am filled with gratitude.
Many thanks, Tamara
