Olympia appoints new poet laureate: Ashly Bunch

The City of Olympia named literary writer Ashly McBunch as its newest poet laureate during the city council meeting on Tue., May 18.

Every two years, the city selects a promising poet to serve as an advocate for the promotion of literary arts. The city’s goal is to promote poetry as an art form and encourage community engagement.

The award also recognizes the contribution that poets make in society by using their voices to address relevant issues. In a statement, Olympia’s Art Manager, Stephanie Johnson, said she believes that literary artists play an important role in the community. “Olympia’s take on poet laureate is less of an honorary title and more about service over status,” Johnson said.

On her Instagram account, McBunch identifies themself as a black, queer poet whose work focuses on appreciating nature and embracing the small moments in life. They also showcases their work through various digital platforms including Youtube and Instagram.

In their speech, McBunch recited a short poem they had written and dedicated to the people of Olympia. It read in part, “in waters built for frequency of rising voices, we walk…” The poet shared that they used the word walk to “signify a movement towards progress.”

In their statement, McBunch also recognizes their sense of duty to Olympia. As a poet laureate, they promises to play an active role in promoting literary arts through poetry and art collaborations. Through these activities, they aims to share a message of healing and inclusion.

In addition, they also plans to hold workshops for children to encourage their involvement and interest in the literary arts. Moreover, McBunch plans to use different social media platforms to gain community feedback and conduct in-person activities.

During the council meeting, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby announced that McBunch begins her term as the newest poet laureate from July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023.

Councilmember Lisa Parshley shared her excitement for the new poet laureate and thanked McBunch for inspiring the youth. The Councilmember said she hopes that the new poet laureate can encourage the young people can “get to a place where they can share their thoughts and put it into the canvas.”