Image Credit: County of Santa Clara, SCC GOV
Today, the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors appointed Arlene Biala to the honorary post of Santa Clara County Poet Laureate. Biala has been appointed for a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2017. The Poet Laureate's role is to elevate Santa Clara County residents’ awareness of poetry, and to help celebrate the literary arts.
Biala is an award winning Filipino American poet and performance artist who has been participating in poetry performances and workshops in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Born in San Francisco and raised in Santa Clara, she is a long-time resident of Santa Clara County.
“The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador to the poetic arts in our community,” said President Dave Cortese, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. “Arlene Biala will bring new facets of performance art to her role.”
Biala was recommended to the Board following the call for applications, and a two-step review process organized by the County of Santa Clara and Silicon Valley Creates.
“Candidates were considered for artistic merit, commitment to the community, and alignment with the Poet Laureate mission,” said County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith, M.D., J.D. “Arlene emerged as the recommended nominee for appointment by the Board of Supervisors.”
At the ceremonial presentation, Biala was joined by former Santa Clara County Poet Laureates David Perez (2014-2015), Sally Ashon (2012-2013), Nil Peterson (2009-2011).
Read more here.