Arts Programs
Arts & Cultural Vitality encourages the development of the local arts community through the production of a variety of public programs and resources for creatives that enhance and contribute to Tacoma’s local economy.
Tacoma Arts Month
artTown
AMOCAT Arts Awards
Spaceworks Tacoma
Tacoma Poet Laureate
The Tacoma Poet Laureate program showcases local artists who actively contribute to and advance Tacoma’s literary community in meaningful ways through readings, performances, workshops, presentations, publications and special projects.
Tacoma Poet Laureate Program
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The Tacoma Poet Laureate program was developed to showcase local artists who actively contribute to and advance Tacoma’s literary community in meaningful ways through readings, performances, workshops, presentations, publications, and special projects.
The program was founded in 2008 by Urban Grace Church and transitioned to the City of Tacoma’s Arts & Cultural Vitality Division in 2011.
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Mari Griffin is a soulful vocalist, affirmation poet, and multidisciplinary artist based in Tacoma, Washington. Rooted in the belief that art is a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and affirmation, her work channels emotion, resilience, and truth through original poetry and songs. Her signature pieces, “Shine Ya Light” and “We Gon Be Alright,” are anthems of empowerment and hope, uplifting listeners and inviting them to connect deeply with their own journeys toward radical self-love and liberation.
Mari has performed on stages including the Northwest Folklife Festival and Juneteenth Olympia in 2024 and 2025, engaging diverse audiences with powerful storytelling and soulful lyricism. She has dedicated more than six years to curating inclusive cultural events in Tacoma, founding the Black Night Market, Poetry After Dark, and the Black Art Soiree – platforms that celebrate artists, performers, and entrepreneurs while creating spaces where underrepresented voices are seen, heard, and supported.
Her ongoing project, Voices Affirmed, offers community workshops and performance experiences designed to help individuals explore and strengthen their voices through poetry, music, and intentional creation. “Tacoma is the heartbeat of my work, my creativity, and my community,” Mari says. “I see my work as a bridge between culture and care.”
Contact Mari G.
If you are interested in working with Mari Griffin or having her perform for your school, organization, or event, please contact her by email at speaklight253@gmail.com or on Instagram at @itsmarig_. -
- Christian Paige (2023-2025)
- Lydia K. Valentine (2021-2023)
- Abby E. Murray (2019-2021)
- Kellie Richardson (2017 – 2019)
- Thy Nguyễn (2015 – 2017)
- Lucas Smiraldo (2013 – 2015)
- Josie Emmons Turner (2011 – 2013)
- Tammy Robacker (2010 – 2011)
- Antonio Edwards, Jr. (2009 – 2010)
- William Kupinse (2008 – 2009)
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Every person has a story to tell. In this online audio anthology, community members from Tacoma and greater Pierce County reflected on the importance of a particular place in their own life, through poetry. The Laureate Listening Project was conceived and organized by 2013-2015 Tacoma Poet Laureate Lucas Smiraldo. The project was funded in part by a Spark Grant from The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and by the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Arts Commission.
In 2023, the Laureate Listening Project was migrated to Tacoma Public Library’s archives.