There is no doubt that the arts and culture help create our community’s unique sense of place. This week we furthered our city’s growth as a cultural hub by approving the selection of Susan Lilley as Orlando’s first Poet Laureate.
In July the search began for Orlando’s official storyteller, who will promote an appreciation of poetry among residents and inspire new generations of literary artists and readers of literature.
A teacher and published poet, Susan has been selected and is being appointed to the ceremonial position. Susan is a University of Central Florida graduate whose love of literature stems from early in her education at our community’s public schools.
I would like to thank United Arts of Central Florida and Burrow Press, who we partnered with to develop the qualifications for the position and then assisted during the search process. And I would like to recognize our Poet Laureate Selection Committee for their efforts to review the 49 applications.
Our community has worked hard to incorporate the arts in everything we do and increase arts and cultural opportunities for everyone, no matter their income or age. We’re excited that Susan will be able to make the literary arts accessible to all residents while sharing what makes our community so special.
– Buddy Dyer, Mayor
