The City of Tacoma Community & Economic Development Department’s Arts & Cultural Vitality Division is now accepting applications for the role of Tacoma Poet Laureate, a two-year honorary position that celebrates and supports literary arts in the community. The application deadline is June 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
The individual selected as Tacoma Poet Laureate will hold the title for two years – from September 2025 to April 2027 – and receive a $6,000 stipend for advancing and actively contributing to Tacoma’s literary community in meaningful ways through readings, performances, workshops, presentations, publications and/or special projects. This individual will also participate in Tacoma Arts Month each October, present at official City of Tacoma events as invited, and help produce the 2027 ceremony announcing the next poet laureate.
The Tacoma Poet Laureate will have access to an additional project budget of up to $1,000 to help implement programming. This individual is expected to determine the direction, focus, and appropriate public components for their term of service.
“The Tacoma Poet Laureate program is a unique part of our arts environment that highlights artists who work with words and language,” said Heide Fernandez-Llamazares, Chair of the Tacoma Arts Commission. “The poets of the past 16 years have been varied and exceptional, and we look forward to this year’s applicants, who are sure to be interesting and exciting, and include some new (to us) poets!”
Literary artists who are emerging, professional, or established and producing poetry in any form, genre, or style are encouraged to apply. Writers working in genres that intersect with poetry, such as spoken word, storytelling, lyric essay, or hybrid forms, are also welcome to apply. Applicants must reside in Pierce County, be at least 18 years old, and be an active literary artist. Other eligibility requirements apply.
The Tacoma Poet Laureate is expected to ensure programming reaches and resonates with all communities across Tacoma.
Current Tacoma Poet Laureate Christian Paige and the Tacoma Arts Commission will host a free public poetry event this fall at which the 2025-2027 Tacoma Poet Laureate will officially be awarded the title.
The Tacoma Poet Laureate Program was founded in 2008 by Urban Grace Church and transitioned to the City of Tacoma Community & Economic Development Department’s Arts & Cultural Vitality Division in 2011. Since the program’s founding, individuals selected as Tacoma Poet Laureate have represented a diverse range of voices, bringing poetry to schools, libraries, festivals, public meetings, and community gatherings. The role is an opportunity to serve as a cultural ambassador, uplifting local voices and fostering community connection.
Program details and application materials are available at tacoma.gov/artsopps.