Join Poet Laureate, Neil Surkan, and special guest, Victoria’s former Poet Laureate Marie Metaphor Specht for an evening of poetry! Free admission. Marie Metaphor Specht is a multidisciplinary artist, poet, and educator living on the unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən- and SENĆOTEN-speaking peoples. A long-time member of the Canadian spoken word scene, Marie was the 6th Poet Laureate of Victoria, British Columbia (2023-2025). In addition to her independent practice, she has collaborated with filmmakers, lighting engineers, dancers, and musicians to create immersive and interactive works. Marie believes in the transformative power of this art form and has had the privilege of coaching and creating space for poets and spoken word artists of all ages. Marie’s poetry has been published in Oratorealis, Untethered Magazine, Chestnut Review, The Hellebore, and Room Magazine, among others. Her debut full-length poetry collection, Soft Shelters is out now with Write Bloody North Publishing (2023). https://www.mariemetaphor.com/ Instagram: @mariemetaphor To join us for this event in Piper’s Lagoon lobby, use the Vancouver Island Conference Centre entrance at 80 Commercial St, go past Dod Narrows Room A& B until you reach the Piper’s Lagoon Lobby.