By funding the Griffin Poetry Prize
- the world’s largest prize for a first edition single collection of poetry written in, or translated into English, from any country in the world – the Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry aims to spark the public’s imagination and raise awareness of the crucial role poetry plays in our cultural life.

Tomas Tranströmer Wins the 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature

The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry extends warmest congratulations to Sweden’s Tomas Tranströmer, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. In 2007, the Griffin Trust awarded Mr. Tranströmer the Lifetime Recognition Award. Learn more here.

Judges for the 2012 Griffin Poetry Prize Announced

TORONTO – September 21, 2011 – The trustees of The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry are pleased to announce that Heather McHugh (USA), David O’Meara (Canada), and Fiona Sampson (UK) are the judges for the 2012 Griffin Poetry Prize. Learn more here.

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Looking back on
Griffin Poetry Prize 2011

• Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory, venue for the 2011 readings

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  Beautiful Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, adorned with the signature Griffin Poetry Prize banners for the 2011 shortlisted poets and books.

  

• Poetry fans eagerly await start of readings

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  Excited poetry fans hear the fanfare preceding another evening of stellar Griffin Poetry Prize readings.

  

• Scott Griffin introduces the Griffin Poetry Prize 2011 nominated poets

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  Griffin Poetry Prize founder Scott Griffin graciously welcomes all poetry lovers and congratulates the 2011 nominated poets.

  

• Poetry readings captivate the rapt audience

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  The audience gave their rapt attention to all of the nominated poets and readers. Shown presenting here is Philip Mosley, translator of Francois Jacqmin's The Book of the Snow.

  

• Carolyn Forché welcomes Lifetime Recognition award winner Yves Bonnefoy

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  Griffin trustee Carolyn Forché warmly introduces and welcomes Lifetime Recognition award recipient Yves Bonnefoy of France.

  

• The Stone Distillery, awards venue for the Griffin Poetry Prize

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  The Griffin Poetry Prize awards evening at the Stone Distillery was another enchanting and vibrant celebration of poetry.

  

• Michael Ondaatje and Linda Spalding toast the Griffin Poetry Prize

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  Griffin trustee Michael Ondaatje and writer Linda Spalding toast another grand Griffin season.

  

• Krystyne Griffin welcomes Shu-Ching and Philip Mosley

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  Krystyne Griffin welcomes Shu-Ching and Philip Mosley to the glittering celebration.

  

• Khaled Mattawa and Chase Twichell absorb the festive atmosphere

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  Griffin Poetry Prize International shortlist nominee Khaled Mattawa and 2011 judge Chase Twichell absorb the sparkling, festive atmosphere.

  

• Ruth Smith greets Martha Butterfield

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  Griffin Poetry Prize Manager Ruth Smith greets long-time literary supporter Martha Butterfield.

  

• Scott Griffin prepares the crowd for good news

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  A hush falls over the crowd as Scott Griffin approaches the podium to kick off ... some very good news.

  

• Scott Griffin presents the 2011 Griffin Poetry Prize winners, Dionne Brand and Gjertrud Schnackenberg

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  Scott Griffin proudly presents the 2011 Griffin Poetry Prize winners, Dionne Brand of Canada and Gjertrud Schnackenberg of the US.

  

• Dancing and celebrating another amazing season of poetry

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  Tessa Griffin and Poetry In Voice champion Jonathan Welstead are two of many tearing up the dance floor in celebration of another amazing season of poetry.

  

Photos by Tom Sandler Photography and George Pimentel

Enjoy more Griffin Poetry Prize 2011 event photographs here.