‘Connection through poetry’: District of Saanich announces first-ever community poets

The District of Saanich has announced its first-ever community poet and community youth poet. 

Similar to many larger municipalities that have a poet-in-residence or a poet laureate program, Saanich has joined the club and announced its first two official poets. 

The two chosen artists, community poet Jesse Holth and community youth poet Bennett Gilleland, have been selected to represent Saanich through poetry, spoken word and the literary arts.

Their new roles will involve supporting public poetry readings, creative projects and community engagement initiatives that bring poetry into everyday spaces.

Holth is a well-known writer, editor and poet in the community whose work often touches on ecology, health, misogyny and social justice. 

As community poet, Holth will organize and attend community readings and creative projects in the district.

The District’s new community youth poet, Gilleland, was chosen because he focuses his creative energy on making space for young poets to share their work, develop skills and connect with the poetry community. 

In his new role, Gilleland will lead workshops and readings while also taking on a project exploring and commemorating queer history. 

Gilleland looks forward to being a welcoming face at poetry events and youth-focused initiatives.

“Congratulations to our two inaugural Community Poets! I am excited to have more poetry incorporated into our community and I look forward to seeing how their work shapes Saanich arts and culture,” said Councillor Colin Plant, chair of Saanich’s Arts, Culture & Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee. 

“This new program brings forward a Council-supported initiative from a previous budget cycle and will encourage creativity and connection through poetry.” 

As community poet, Holth will serve a two-year term, whereas Gilleland’s role as community youth poet will last one year.

Both poets will be in attendance and giving readings at several Saanich events this year, and their debut will be at the District’s big Earth Day Festival happening on April 18th.