The Tacoma Arts Commission has selected Mari Griffin as the 2025–2027 Tacoma Poet Laureate. Over the next two years, Griffin will participate in and host public poetry readings, workshops, and other community engagements that uplift Tacoma’s literary arts scene, with a focus on connection, inclusion, and belonging.
“Mari Griffin brings a strong, beautiful voice as our new Poet Laureate,” said Tacoma Arts Commission Chair Heide Fernandez-Llamazares. “We were impressed by her thoughtful and thorough ideas for this position and related workshops, and look forward to seeing her carry out her vision.”
“Tacoma is the heartbeat of my work, my creativity, and my community,” said Griffin. “It’s more than just the place I call home, Tacoma is where I’ve grown as an artist, organizer, and cultural worker… I see my work as a bridge between culture and care — creating platforms that not only showcase talent, but also support the emotional and social wellbeing of the community.”
Griffin will be officially awarded the title at The Hot Seat, a free public poetry event co-hosted by All Bets on Us and Real Art Tacoma, that also showcases outgoing Poet Laureate Christian Paige. The event will take place Sunday, August 17, at 1 p.m. at Real Art Tacoma (5412 S Tacoma Way). The program will include readings from Paige and Griffin, performances, and a celebration of Tacoma’s vibrant poetry community.
About Mari Griffin
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. For more than six years, she has cultivated inclusive cultural experiences, founding the Black Night Market, Poetry After Dark, and the Black Art Soirée. Her creative process centers on affirmations and lyricism as tools for self-healing and collective empowerment.
About the Tacoma Poet Laureate Program
Information regarding the Tacoma Poet Laureate program, which was founded in 2008 by Urban Grace Church and transitioned to the City of Tacoma’s Arts & Cultural Vitality Division in 2011, is available at www.tacoma.gov/poet.