The Tacoma Arts Commission has announced the allocation of $148,000 in Community Arts Projects funding to 21 Tacoma-based organizations, groups, and businesses. These funds will support an array of public outreach projects in 2025, spanning cultural, culinary, dance, literary, music, visual, and cross-disciplinary arts. This initiative reflects Tacoma’s commitment to enriching its neighborhoods with diverse and inclusive artistic endeavors.
Celebrating Tacoma’s Vibrant Arts Scene
“We’re proud to be funding these arts projects that will take place around Tacoma’s many neighborhoods,” said Heide Fernandez-Llamazares, Chair of the Tacoma Arts Commission. “Each year, new organizations and projects emerge, reflecting Tacoma’s rich cultural tapestry. We are honored to invest in community engagement experiences created by and for historically underfunded communities. We eagerly anticipate the beauty and impact these projects will bring.”
A Diverse Range of Funded Projects
The funding will support projects such as:
- Cultural Festivals: Nine cultural and arts festivals, including the 27th Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration and the Tacoma Moon Festival.
- Youth Education Programs: Initiatives like the Tacoma Salmon in the Classroom Art Project.
- Interactive Art Experiences: Hands-on workshops, immersive installations, and multidisciplinary projects.
- Community-Centered Events: Performances and events that foster inclusivity and celebrate Tacoma’s diverse communities.
Highlights of Funded Projects
ArtCity Collaborative – Tacoma Mapping Project ($6,000): This oral history initiative visually maps Tacoma’s creative ecosystem through artist-led interviews with diverse, intergenerational contributors.
Asia Pacific Cultural Center – Annual New Year Celebration ($9,000): Featuring India as the host nation, this festival showcases performances and demonstrations representing over 30 Asia Pacific cultures.
Black Night Market LLC – Black Night Market Events ($9,000): Events like Poetry After Dark and Black Art Soiree empower Tacoma’s BIPOC artists, fostering cultural expression and connection.
Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation – Tacoma Moon Festival ($9,000): This annual celebration highlights Tacoma’s multicultural heritage with performances, cuisine, and family-friendly activities.
Foss Waterway Seaport – Salmon in the Classroom Art Project ($6,000): This environmental and cultural education program involves students creating wooden salmon sculptures for exhibition.
Hilltop Artists – Monkeyshines Project ($9,000): Youth artists will distribute over 1,000 handcrafted glass pieces as part of Tacoma’s Lunar New Year treasure hunt.
Tacoma Refugee Choir – “Let There Be Peace on Earth” Concert ($4,000): A dynamic concert celebrating peace and mental well-being through original songs and guest performances.
Supporting Equity and Inclusion in the Arts
The Community Arts Projects funding program prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility. By addressing equity issues, these grants help foster a thriving arts ecosystem that resonates with Tacoma’s diverse population. From modern ballet adaptations like “The Secret Garden” to innovative programs exploring food justice, these projects highlight the power of creativity in driving community engagement.
Experience Tacoma’s Artistic Future
Tacoma residents and visitors can look forward to an exciting lineup of cultural festivals, interactive workshops, and inspiring performances in 2025. The Tacoma Arts Commission’s funding underscores the city’s dedication to celebrating its artistic heritage while paving the way for new creative expressions.