Ching-In Chen Receives Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship

Ching-In Chen, the City of Redmond's 2024 poet laureate, has received a notable fellowship from the Academy of American Poets Laureate, distinguishing her as one of 22 recipients nationally. The fellowship is accompanied by a $50,000 grant aimed at empowering poets in their civic roles. Chen's innovative project, "Read Local Eat Local," seeks to intertwine poetry with local food culture, inviting residents and visitors to engage with poetry at participating businesses. This initiative kicks off during the Downtown Redmond Art Walk on September 19, showcasing poems on postcards that reflect themes of food and community. Mayor Angela Birney expressed her enthusiasm for Chen's recognition and the potential of poetry to enhance local culture.

The fellowship will also support collaborations with international poets and provide opportunities for youth poetry gatherings, particularly focusing on transgender and nonbinary voices. Chen's work is rooted in community engagement, and she aims to foster understanding and dialogue through poetry. For more details about the project, interested individuals can visit the City of Redmond's website.