WRITTEN WORD – POETRY
2027 Young Artists and Authors Showcase
Explore the 2027 Theme
A Tapestry of Cultures and the Threads That Connect Us
Tacoma Sister Cities invites young poets to explore the connections that bring people and cultures together through the 2027 Young Artists and Authors Showcase.
Every culture, community, and individual contributes a unique thread to the tapestry of our interconnected world. Our traditions, languages, histories, and perspectives enrich one another, creating stronger communities through understanding and collaboration.
This year's theme encourages students to reflect on friendship, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. How can we bridge differences, celebrate diversity, and build a more peaceful future?
Just as every thread contributes to a tapestry, every individual can strengthen the bonds between communities. Use your poetry to express what connects us.
Written Word – Poetry Submission Guidelines
Students may submit one original poem in this category. All submissions must meet the following requirements:
- One Entry Per Student: Each student may submit one poem in this category.
- Word Limit: Poetry submissions must not exceed 200 words.
- File Format: All poems must be submitted in PDF format.
- Submission Method: Complete the online entry form and attach your poem as a PDF.
- Originality: All poems must be the student's own original work. Plagiarized, stolen, or copied writing is prohibited.
All entries must comply with the Sister Cities International Plagiarism and AI Policy .
All submitted poetry must be the student's own original creation. Poems written wholly or partially using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools are not permitted.
This includes AI-generated verses, phrases, imagery, and other written content, even when the student has edited or rearranged that content.
Students may use standard spelling and grammar-checking tools to proofread their writing. However, generative AI may not be used to write, rewrite, or substantially alter any portion of the poem.
Entries containing AI-generated written content will be disqualified.
Who Can Enter?
The Showcase welcomes eligible students ages 12–18 from Tacoma and its international sister cities.
Group A: Tacoma Students, Ages 12–14
Group B: Tacoma Students, Ages 15–18
Group C: International Sister City Students
Need Inspiration?
Your poem can interpret any aspect of the theme. Consider these questions as a starting point for your creative process.
- What cultures, traditions, or experiences have shaped who you are, and how can you share them with others?
- What "threads" connect people across different cultures, countries, and communities?
- How can learning about other cultures build understanding, empathy, and respect?
- What traditions from the past should we carry forward into the future?
- If you could weave together ideas, traditions, or values from different cultures, what would you create?
- What does a future of peace and intercultural understanding look like? What role can young people play?
- How can cultural exchange bring people together despite different backgrounds?
- What do you wish people around the world understood about your culture or community?
- If the world were a tapestry, what would you add to it?
- What connections can we create today to make tomorrow more peaceful and united?
- How can Sister Cities partnerships strengthen connections between cultures and build peace?
These questions are suggestions, not requirements. We encourage you to explore the theme in your own unique way.
Important Submission Dates
Ready to Share Your Words?
Let your poetry weave connections across cultures and communities.
SUBMIT AN ENTRYEntries accepted November 16, 2026 through March 5, 2027.