A university student and accomplished writer and poet has been named the City of Nanaimo’s poet laureate.
In a press release, the city announced that Paige Pierce has been appointed to the role for the next two years.
Pierce self-published her first book of poetry, Coloured Ink, when she was 15, and has since published six other collections, several of which have made Amazon best-seller lists.
“Her work features topics that resonate regardless of age or experience, such as love, growing up, death and grieving, body image, friendship, travel and feminism,” the release noted.
The city added that Pierce has demonstrated innovative ideas regarding her vision for her new role and for engagement of Nanaimo’s youth literary community, and has plans to host readings and poetry café events to showcase young writers.
Pierce said in the release that she is excited to step into the role of youth poet laureate and thanked the city for providing her with a platform and resources to “collect, nurture, and amplify” youth voices in the community.
“I know first-hand the way that poetry can change the lives of young people trying to navigate the tumultuous, delicate, and formative years that make up one’s adolescence,” she said.
The youth poet laureate has an opportunity to be mentored by the city’s poet laureate, and Pierce will be expected to present original work for civic events and organize youth poetry projects in collaboration with agencies such as Vancouver Island Regional Library and Literacy Central Vancouver Island.
“The city’s youth Poet Laureate program is a connection to Nanaimo’s youths, inspiring strong youth voices within our community…” the release noted. “Reaching a variety of audiences and encouraging peer to peer education and inspiration, the youth poet laureate paves the way for future youths to engage on a civic level using their artistic voice.”
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