As Mag Gabbert begins her term as Dallas’ second Poet Laureate, the city’s dedication to fostering creativity and empowering literary voices remains strong. With her unique perspective and passion for words, Gabbert is poised to make a lasting impact on the Dallas poetry scene.
A Two-Year Term of Literary Leadership
Based at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, Gabbert will serve a two-year term as Dallas’ Poet Laureate. [^1^][1][^2^][2] Throughout her tenure, she plans to promote the art of poetry, engage with local communities, and highlight Dallas as a haven for artistic expression.
Invaluable Advice from Outgoing Poet Laureate
In preparing for her new role, Gabbert sought wisdom from the outgoing Poet Laureate, Joaquín Zihuatanejo. Sharing his insights, Zihuatanejo advised Gabbert to be authentic, engage the public, and stay true to her unique voice.
Mastering the Art of Public Reading
One of Gabbert’s goals as Poet Laureate is to encourage others to embrace the spoken word. She offers valuable tips for reading poetry in public, emphasizing the importance of practicing aloud, being mindful of rhythm, and engaging the audience with eye contact.
The Power of Words
A lifelong lover of language, Gabbert delights in discussing her favorite words and their power to evoke emotions and connect people. She stresses the importance of using a dictionary and exploring the richness of the English language.
Dallas: A Poetic Cityscape
Gabbert views Dallas as a poetic city, filled with diverse cultures, world-class cuisine, and a thriving arts scene. Throughout her term, she aims to celebrate this vibrant cultural spirit, using poetry as a means to unite communities and foster a deeper appreciation for the city’s artistic offerings.
To learn more about Mag Gabbert and the Dallas Poet Laureate program, visit the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, The Dallas Morning News, and Poetry Foundation.
