Marin Poetry Center

Building Bridges 
To Poetry

We believe in the power of poetry to bear witness, reach hearts and souls, teach compassion, empathy and justice, and create a common language towards positive social change.

Our Commitment
To Justice

Marin Poetry Center opposes racism and oppression in all forms. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and with all those speaking and acting in opposition to state-sanctioned violence.
We will continue ongoing efforts to diversify our programming, reach out to underrepresented communities for new members and audience, and support local charitable organizations. Additionally, starting now we intend to apply the lens of anti-racism to our internal practices, policies and programming with a goal towards increasing diversity and inclusivity in all areas.

Nurturing Poetry
In the Bay Area

MPC was founded in 1981 by a dedicated group of Northern California poets as a non-profit organization whose mission is to nurture the enjoyment of poetry and the craft of writing throughout the Bay Area. We are based in Marin County but are expanding throughout the Bay Area.
We welcome new poets, established writers, and anyone interested in the art of poetry from any location.
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Programs 
& Events

Marin Poetry Center organizes, hosts, and supports many diverse programs and activities for our members’ and the public’s enjoyment.
Regular readings and workshops feature nationally recognized poets. Annually, we offer our Marin High School Poetry Contest, our esteemed Marin Poetry Center Anthology, and the popular Summer Traveling Show, a roving series that showcases our members’ poetry in fun group readings all summer long.

Marin Poetry Center News

November 13, 2021
High School Poetry Contest Launch

At least 50 poems by high school poets will be selected for inclusion in the anthology, and those poets will be invited to participate in an awards ceremony and reading in the spring of 2022 (date and time TBA). Additionally, our esteemed judge, Judy Halebsky, an award winning poet and director of the MFA program […]

October 9, 2021
Marin Community Foundation Grant

Marin Poetry Center is grateful for the support of the Marin Community Foundation. The MCF Anonymous Fund has provided us with a very welcome grant of $250 to help us continue to nurture poetry in the Bay Area.

October 9, 2021
2021 Anthology Launched

The 2021 Anthology has been launched.

More News

Upcoming Events

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Membership Information

Marin Poetry Center welcomes poets and lovers of poetry from all backgrounds and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We are committed to being an organization in which every member, regardless of ability, age, class, education, ethnicity, gender identity, geographic location, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and additional or overlapping identities, feels valued, respected, and included. With the collective and individual talents, skills, and perspectives of members, constituent groups, and partners we strive to foster a culture of belonging, collaborative practice, innovation, and mutual respect as we explore, create, and appreciate poetry together.
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