DENVER POET LAUREATE

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs announced the appointment of Chris Ransick as the new Poet Laureate of Denver at a reception and official ceremony on Wednesday, March 22, 2006.

“I intend to explore the literary landscape in Denver and bring forward as many voices as I can find,” Ransick said in accepting the appointment. “I know there is richness and variety and intensity here. If I can help celebrate that and raise the profile of our literary culture, it will be the best use of what has been entrusted to me.”

Here's what Mayor Hickenlooper had to say recently about Chris' activities on behalf of the city: “Chris Ransick was selected as Denver's second Poet Laureate for his impressive literary achievements, work as an educator and dedication to the community. We've been awed by his enthusiasm and passion for connecting with a broad range of Denver audiences and organizations to inspire through poetry. His work is accessible to young people, and his willingness to collaborate with young people has been critical to his success.”

Following are some of the organizations and events Chris has reached out to since March 2006, as either a speaker, a performer, a contest judge, or participant in the celebration of culture and literature.

Words for Dolores, a benefit reading
Cultural Legacy
Douglas County Libraries
Grand Lake Retreat
Colorado Library Association Annual Conference
Wyoming Library Association Annual Conference
River City Writers Series
Englewood Leadership Institute
National League of American Pen Women
University of Colorado/Denver Mint Reading Series
Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts
Western State College Reading Series
Hebrew Educational Alliance; Holocaust Memorial Event
Wyoming Writers Association
5 Points Jazz Festival
Lighthouse Writers Summer Literary Festival
Colorado Bar Association
Art From Ashes
Poetry Out Loud (NEA program)
Colorado Humanities: Student Literary Awards
The Learning Source
Foothills Poets
Douglas County High School
Indian Park Schoolhouse Association
A Celebration of Robert Burns
Fraser Valley Library
Live from the Laughing Goat (KGNU Radio)
The Poetry Show (KFCR radio)
Colorado Matters (KFRC radio)
Community Voices (KTVD television)