The importance of literature and literacy in Vancouver's cultural landscape was highlighted when City Council established the Poet Laureate Program in December 2006.

Acclaimed, award-winning poet Rachel Rose is Vancouver's fourth Poet Laureate. Rachel is the winner of numerous awards for her poetry, fiction and non-fiction, including a 2014 Pushcart Prize. She has published poems, short stories and essays in Canada, the U.S., New Zealand and Japan.

During her three-year tenure, Rachel will champion poetry, language and the arts in Vancouver and connect established and emerging poets with chefs, urban farmers and other individuals engaged in nourishing citizens to create a collaborative book of poetry inspired by food.

The Poet Laureate Program was made possible by a generous donation from Dr. Yosef Wosk whose significant cultural leadership in Vancouver includes ongoing support for libraries and the literary arts. Dr. Wosk's donation is matched by the BC Arts Renaissance Fund and held in trust by the Vancouver Foundation, which ensures the continuation of the Poet Laureate position.

The Poet Laureate Program is a partnership of the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Public Library and the Vancouver International Writers Festival.

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