Sanctus – Culture Secretary Grace Schofield has this morning announced the appointment of Galvium poet Joseph D’Olier as Sanctaria’s inaugural Poet Laureate. The role, which comes with an annual stipend of S£150,000 a year, is designed to raise awareness around Sanctarian poetry, literature, and creativity, and will be expected to contribute new poetry and writings to mark significant milestones in Sanctarian life. Poets Laureate will serve a term of three years, and are appointed by the Secretary for Culture following an application process curated by their department.
Primarily writing about life, both contemporary and past, in small-town coastal villages of Galvium, D’Olier (71) is a celebrated poet based in the village of Enchambré in south-western Galvium. D’Olier’s works, like “Waves on a Thursday“, “Mackerel for Sale“, and “Bells” have appeared on curricula, both national and state-wide, for the last three decades, and for his poem “Lobster Cages” he was awarded the prestigious Rectory Medal by the National Society for Arts & Literature. D’Olier, who sometimes goes by the pen-name of Duffy, has also served as an adjunct Professor of Literature at University College Nicene since 2002.
In the full press release announcing his appointment, as part of his role D’Olier will be expected to write poetry to “mark significant events in Sanctaria”, though what this actually entails has not been detailed. It is understood from sources within the department, and looking to the example of other national poets laureate internationally, this could be for elections, inaugurations, times of national tragedy, sporting celebrations or, in some cases, they could be poems that reflect the national mood. D’Olier will also act as am ambassador for Sanctarian literature which likely entails school visits, attending festivals and events both at home and abroad, and advocating for up-and-coming Sanctarian writing talent.
Ridgeback Publishing House, which manages the distribution of D’Olier’s works, congratulated the poet this morning saying that “Joseph D’Olier has been one of Sanctaria’s preeminent poets since the 1970s. We are delighted to see him recognised in this way, and are excited for the opportunity for his oeuvre to be shared more widely within Sanctaria, and beyond.” D’Olier has not yet issued comment.
RICH CORDEN, National Correspondent
