• A term for Storyteller is for 3 years, from the date of confirmation 
• A person can only hold the position of Storyteller for the City of Hartford once
• A term may be temporarily extended until a new Storyteller is confirmed

A person may lose the title of Storyteller for the City of Hartford if they:

• No longer reside in the City of Hartford
• Misrepresent or abuse the position of Storyteller      
• Fail to fulfill the duties of the position of Storyteller

In any of these cases, the Court of Common Council may revoke the title through a majority vote.

The responsibilities of the Storyteller include, but are not limited to:

• Providing public performances and/or readings
• Appearing at public events
• Encouraging the appreciation of and participation in storytelling within the City
• Writing or presenting in other forms, 1 – 3 stories for the City each year

The Storyteller promotes awareness and appreciation of real-life stories of Hartford’s history, people, traditions, politics, the arts and all that have and continue to shape the City of Hartford; works with the Hartford Public Library and local schools to promote learning of Hartford’s history, climate and uniqueness and endeavors to instill pride in the community.

A nominee for Storyteller must:

• Be a current resident of the City of Hartford 
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have been published, shown artwork, or performed in at least one professionally or regionally-recognized publication/venue 
• Be available to serve a 3-year term

The Hartford Storyteller seeks to encourage and engage the community in its story by identifying and honoring the history, people, traditions, politics, arts and places of the City. The Storyteller may do this through means of writing, performing, oral history, photography, or other art focused on documenting story. 

Certain criteria will be given consideration in the selection process, including: 

• Excellence as evidenced by the submitted work samples
• Professionalism as evidenced by an established history of performances, publications, honors, awards, fellowships, and/or other recognition such as contributions to community culture
• Demonstrated advancement of storytelling in the community as well as other forms of commitment to community involvement 

• A storyteller or group of storytellers may apply for the position
• A Selection Committee will be formed to review Storyteller applications. The Committee will be organized and directed by the Commission on Cultural Affairs
• The Committee will submit three finalists and a recommended choice to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. The Commission will then select one finalist and make a recommendation to the Mayor for approval
• With approval from the Mayor, the selection is submitted to the Court of Common Council for a confirmation through majority vote

Month 1: Establish Selection Committee. Hold initial meeting. Circulate Call for Submissions.

Month 2: Issue reminder for Call for Submissions.

Month 3: Applications with all necessary materials are due and vetted for completion and standards.

Month 4 + 5: The Selection Committee reviews applications, deliberates, and submits three finalists and one recommended choice to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. 

Month 5: The Commission on Cultural Affairs recommends a finalist to the 

Mayor for approval. The Mayor has the opportunity to dispute the recommendation or request more information. Their selection is submitted to the Court of Common Council for final confirmation through a majority vote.

Month 6: City of Hartford Storyteller will be decided by this date, as approved by Council. The date for a confirmation ceremony is set. 

Month 7: The 3-year term of the Storyteller begins on the date of confirmation. Commission holds a meeting with Storyteller to discuss vision/mission of Storyteller and to determine means of supporting the work of the Storyteller for the coming years.

The Selection Committee will consist of at least one person selected by the Mayor, at least one member of the Court of Common Council or appointed by the Court of Common Council, at least two people with a demonstrated expertise in the history and stories of Hartford and/or literature and storytelling who reside in the City of Hartford, and two other seats determined by the Commission on Cultural Affairs. The Selection Committee reviews all applications and may interview the candidates. The Committee deliberation reflects upon the values and goals of the role of Storyteller, as well as the community of the City of Hartford. The selection committee then acts as an advisory committee to the Storyteller to provide support throughout their term.

View the complete the 2019 Storyteller POLICY HERE.

Required Materials for Applying

• An application form
• A letter of interest
• Resume or CV, including achievements and awards
• At least 2, and a maximum of 5, exemplary samples of the applicant’s work, with citation of the source of publication or location of venue when applicable
• Three recent letters of reference (may include professional, community, and academic references)

Applicants may be contacted by the Committee for further interview, references, or material. Applications are not carried over for future years. Prior applicants must re-apply for consideration. An applicant cannot be a member of the Commission on Cultural Affairs or the Committee to select the Storyteller.  

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Mail to:

Commission on Cultural Affairs
Attn. Free Center
460 New Britain Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106

or

Email to: hartfordarts@gmail.com

Subject line: Storyteller