Agenda - 10-04-2011 - 4a - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 4, 2011 Action Agenda Item No. ~-- - ~[, SUBJECT: Scott Huler, 2011 Piedmont Laureate DEPARTMENT: Economic Development -- PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No Orange County Arts Commission ATTACHMENT(S): Press Release INFORMATION CONTACT: Martha Shannon, 968-2011 PURPOSE: To introduce and hear a brief selection from creative nonfiction writer Scott Huler, the 2011 Piedmont Laureate, during October (National Arts & Humanities Month). BACKGROUND: The 2011 Piedmont Laureate Program is co-sponsored by the Orange County Arts Commission, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, the Durham Arts Council, United Arts of Raleigh and Wake County, the Alamance County Arts Council and the Johnston County Arts Council. In its third year, the primary goal of this program is to promote awareness and heighten appreciation for excellence in the literary arts throughout the Piedmont region. The Orange County Arts Commission participates so that Orange County writers can apply and Orange County sites can host the Piedmont Laureate. The 2011 Piedmont Laureate is contracted for 25 events (such as readings or workshops at public sites) and at least 5 media appearances throughout the five-county area during calendar year 2011. The application process was open to all writers residing in Orange, Durham, Wake, Alamance or Johnston counties who met the guideline criteria. For 2011, applications were accepted from nonfiction writers only. In addition to the program sponsors, the selection panel included Amy Rogers (Novello Festival Press Founder and Publisher), Mark Simpson-Vos (Senior Editor, UNC Press), and John Valentine (Co-Owner, Regulator Book Shop). Banu Valladares (Program Director of Literature and Outreach, NC Arts Council) participated as a panel observer. Several finalists were chosen and interviewed. Raleigh resident Scott Huler was selected as Laureate. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Orange County's portion ($1,350) of the 2011 Piedmont Laureate's stipend and website (www.piedmontlaureate.com) expenses came from 2010-11 State Grassroots funds. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board recognize Scott Huler, the 2011 Piedmont Laureate.