Overview
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 Office of Arts & Cultural Vitality in 2011.
Pass the Torch
Join 2021-2023 Tacoma Poet Laureate, Lydia K. Valentine, Tacoma Arts Commission, and Tacoma Public Library for Pass the Torch, a poetry event at which Christian Paige will be officially awarded the title of 2023-2025 Tacoma Poet Laureate.
Hear poetry from Lydia K. Valentine, 2021-2023 Tacoma Poet Laureate, and Christian Paige, 2023-2025 Tacoma Poet Laureate. Write253 is giving away free poetry prints!
Pass the Torch details:
Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Time: 6 – 7 PM, Cost: FREE
Location: Moore Library, 215 S 56th St, https://goo.gl/maps/TNxk35T76JH6Hbp89
Accessible by bus via Pierce Transit, https://tinyurl.com/2p899a4c
Watch the Facebook livestream @TacomaArtsCommission
2023-2025 Poet Laureate - Christian Paige
Christian Paige is an Emmy nominated spoken word poet, a professional speaker and educator who speaks at schools, conferences, and events across the United States. Paige has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people and loves to work with young people who are committed to doing good in the world. Paige is a first-generation college graduate, an Act Six Scholar and is passionate about community, anti-racism, equity, and empowerment. He has spent his entire career in and around education advocating for historically marginalized populations and working to create equitable environments where young people can thrive.
Paige's work has appeared on national stages, on television, and in museum exhibits. Paige is one of the top youth speakers in the Pacific Northwest and is in demand nationally however, Paige believes there is no place like home. He was born and raised in Tacoma where he currently lives and creates. He believes that our voice is our most powerful tool and encourages others to use their voice to advocate, interrupt, empower, and teach. Christian often uses one sentence to summarize himself. He says, “I am just somebody, who wants community to work for everybody.”
Contact Christian Paige
If you are interested in working with Christian Paige or having him perform for your school, organization, or event, please contact Christian by email at speak@christianpaige.com, on the web at www.christianpaige.com, or on social media using the handle @cpaigespeaks on Facebook and Instagram.
Events in the Community
Here's a sampling of where Christian Paige will be performing and presenting in his role as poet laureate:
Past Tacoma Poets Laureate
Laureate Listening Project
Every person has a story to tell. In this online audio anthology, community members from Tacoma and greater Pierce County reflect on the importance of a particular place in their own life through poetry. Visit the Laureate Listening Project now!
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.
Interested in having your poem included in this project? Contact Lucas Smiraldo at (253) 202-3473 or vanillasoul61@gmail.com.