The City of Tacoma's Arts & Cultural Vitality Division plays a vital role in supporting Tacoma's arts and cultural sector. Our division:
- manages Tacoma Creates, which supports access to arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences
- manages the City's public art collection as well as public art projects for partner organizations
- funds arts and cultural community programming and individual artists
- produces a variety of public programs that enhance and contribute to Tacoma's local economy
For more information about the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division, visit tacoma.gov/arts.
For a full list of current opportunities, visit tacoma.gov/artsopps.
Most information submitted to the City of Tacoma, including any application you submit through this platform, is subject to public disclosure laws. If requested, we would have to provide information shared in applications and related materials. For more information, visit Public Records Office | City of Tacoma
If your organization is interested in applying for Tacoma Creates funding for the first time, you are encouraged to go through the Organizational Eligibility Review process.
This process will determine whether your organization is eligible for Tacoma Creates funding, so that you will know whether or not to complete the full funding application, which is released in late January 2027.
Organizational eligibility requirements are explained on the Tacoma Creates website:
- Eligibility for Impact Funding (this funding category is generally for organizations with annual budgets under $400K)
- Eligibility for Comprehensive Organizational Support (this funding category is generally for organizations with annual budgets over $400K and with year-round work in both general public programs and youth education programs)
If you have any questions about eligibility requirements, please contact Lisa Jaret, Tacoma Creates Program Manager, at ljaret@tacoma.gov.
ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECTS FUNDING The Community Arts Projects funding program financially supports organizations and groups that are based in Tacoma and have a history of serving the Tacoma community, in producing arts-focused community projects that are inclusive, accessible, and/or address equity issues. This funding is seed money to help support projects; we encourage applicants to consider multiple sources of funding and to scale their proposed project to realistically work within their available budget. Projects must take place in Tacoma and can happen anytime between January 1 – December 31, 2027. This funding can be used for artistic presentations, activities, events, workshops, experiences, festivals, performances, or other projects that are accessible to the general public. Admission may be charged for these projects, as long as the application demonstrates public benefit. The proposal may be for a one-time project, a number of projects that are closely related, or an annual or ongoing project. Collaborations between organizations and/or artists are encouraged but not required. Groups applying are not required to be a 501(c) non-profit nor are they required to use a fiscal sponsor. Only one application per producing organization or group will be accepted.
Projects should be welcoming to all and align with the City’s commitment to access, opportunity, and belonging.
Funding availability is dependent on official approval of the City budget by the City Council. To ensure long-term financial stability to the City’s General Fund, the City is making substantial budget reductions, including cuts that may affect this program. Considering this, and in an effort to cause the least disruption to the creative ecosystem, the Tacoma Arts Commission has established a series of funding priorities outlined in the application guidelines, including a new priority in 2027, focused on applicants who are not currently funded through Tacoma Creates.
Before applying, please read the full Application Guidelines at tacoma.gov/artsopps.