Joy Harjo has been named the first artist-in-residence at the new Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The U.S. poet laureate (and Tulsa native) begins her six-year tenure when the center opens on May 10. In the role, she will present educational programs and live performances, as well as curating special exhibitions, according to a press release.
In the release, Harjo said, “When Bob Dylan stepped forward and made his path of song making, poetry, and storytelling, a path that lit a generation, he opened a creative door for others to find their way to fresh invention and imagining. I am one of those who followed. My residency will allow this legacy to be extended to the community, to encourage and share creativity. I am honored to be part of this new venture.”
Steve Higgins, managing director of the American Song Archives, which oversees the BDC, said, “As a poet, musician, playwright and author, Joy Harjo exemplifies artistry and brings light to the world through her work. The BDC’s programs and exhibits will explore the creative process and inspire the next generations of artists, and we couldn’t be more honored that Joy is playing such an important role in helping us to fulfill our mission and establish our future legacy.”
In addition to hosting events and exhibitions, the center will host 100,000 exclusive artifacts spanning 60 years of Dylan’s career, according to the original announcement. Those include handwritten lyric manuscripts and correspondence, previously unreleased recordings and film performances, and more.
