Tacoma Creates

A fantastic opportunity for Tacoma teaching artists and arts educators!

📣 Register now for 'Tacoma Creates X TAT Lab: A Workshop for Teaching Artists and Arts Educators!'

👩‍🏫 Who: Open to teaching artists and arts educators, in all creative disciplines, who live and/or work in the City of Tacoma.
📆 When: Saturday, June 13, 10am - 1pm
📍 Where: The Tacoma Armory
👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/eCnUHkSG7DvR2KJd6

In this FREE hands-on workshop, faculty from the Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab (TAT Lab) will demonstrate learning activities in the TAT Lab style, unpacking the elements of instructional design, as well as incorporating culturally responsive practices and Universal Design into arts teaching and learning. Learn more about TAT Lab, meet some of our faculty, and hang out with your teaching artist colleagues.

Registration will be capped at 25 participants. Registrations beyond our maximum will be placed on a waiting list. TAT Lab alumni welcome!

📷 An image of the city of Tacoma in the background, with a white square over it reading "A Workshop for Teaching Artists and Arts Educators | Sat. June 13 | 10AM-1PM @ The Tacoma Armory" (logos above). In the corner, a yellow button reads "Open for Registration!"

Do you have a passion for arts, culture, heritage, and science? Are you interested in supporting City of Tacoma processes related to public funding? Then this opportunity is for you!
The Tacoma City Council is currently seeking applicants to fill five positions on the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board:

• Two Seats Available Based on City Council District: Open to any person residing in City Council District 1 or District 4.

• Two Seats Available Based on Personal/Professional Experience: Open to any person residing in Tacoma with professional expertise in arts, culture, heritage, science, and/or community engagement.

• One Seat Available for an Emerging Leader: Open to any person residing in Tacoma between the ages of 16-24.

Applications are due by noon on Monday, June 22.

These volunteer positions are three-year terms (or one-year term for the Emerging Leader seat) and are a great way to help shape how public funding supports arts, culture, heritage, and science in Tacoma.

Apply now: tacoma.gov/cbcapplication
More info: tacomacreates.org/advisory-board
City of Tacoma District Map: https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/city-council/ -map
Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Photo: Asia Pacific Cultural Center

City of Tacoma Government

Check out these five exciting Tacoma Creates-supported events happening over the next week →

On May 9, 7:30pm, celebrate Music Director Sarah Ioannides' final concert on the Symphony Tacoma podium at the Pantages Theater (901 Broadway). The concert features Scott Hartman on trombone and a rich blend of timeless and contemporary works by Elgar, Peaslee, Winkler, and Still. Tickets for this family friendly concert can be purchased at symphonytacoma.org.

Tacoma Sister Cities presents a Children’s Day Festival (Kodomo no Hi) on May 9, 10am-3pm, at the Point Defiance Japanese Garden and Pagoda (5400 N Pearl St). This free, family-friendly annual public celebration is inspired by Japan’s Children’s Day holiday and Tacoma’s long-standing sister city friendship with Kitakyushu. The festival includes hands-on activities, performances, and cultural experiences. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch.

On May 10, 1-2:30pm, hear an overview of Mary Ann Peter’s work at Tacoma Art Museum (1701 Pacific Ave); her work is currently on view at TAM in the Haunted exhibition. Peters is a multi-disciplined artist who makes socially and conceptually responsive work tied to the Middle East, using the unique perspective of a second generation Arab American. Her work employs painting, drawing, sculpture and installation. This free talk is intended for teens and adults.

On May 16, 4-5:30pm, Mi Centro - Tacoma, WA presents "Printmaking Mayan Motifs," led by teaching artist Amaranta Ibarra-Sandys, at Tacoma Public Library South Tacoma Branch (3411 S 56th St). This free workshop is family-friendly, but parents/guardians should be with their youth for the entirety of the session.

Join Northwest Sinfonietta on May 16 at 7:30pm for "Butterfly Fantasy" at Asia Pacific Cultural Center (4851 S Tacoma Way). Following Che-Yi Lee's dynamic and virtuosic Dancing Strings, violinist Melissa White brings us the beloved Butterfly Lovers' Concerto, with Ravel's Mother Goose to close the concert. Purchase tickets for this family-friendly concert at nwsinfonietta.org

For more details on registration, tickets, and even more wonderful events, check out the Tacoma Creates Events Calendar at www.tacomacreates.org/events

How important do you think it is for the City of Tacoma to continue supporting funding for arts, culture, heritage, and science nonprofit organizations to produce cultural programming? We want to hear from you.

This past year brought important milestones and renewed commitments to Tacoma's cultural sector, including the reauthorization of Tacoma Creates, the 25th anniversary of the 1% for Art Program, and the 24th anniversary of Tacoma Arts Month.

We still have work to do!

The Arts & Cultural Vitality Division is currently updating our strategic plan to inform the next 10 years and would like your input.

Please take a short, anonymous survey to help us understand how well our programs and services are meeting community needs, how we can deepen equity and access, how we can communicate more effectively, what to prioritize moving forward, and how people experience Tacoma's cultural landscape.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective with us.
surveymonkey.com/r/ACVplan

City of Tacoma Government

Check out these five exciting Tacoma Creates-supported events happening over the next few days →

On Friday, April 17, 10:30-11:15am, Tacoma Music Academy presents Music Together®, a true family music class for the youngest infant to the oldest great-grandparent, and everyone in between. A trained Music Together teacher will lead this music class in singing, dancing, and playing songs that range from tender lullabies to boisterous jams using child-friendly percussion instruments. This free class is held at Tacoma Public Library Kobetich Branch (212 Browns Point Blvd. NE).

The Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation-CRPF is proud to present a film about Lyle Quasim as part of its series "Our Communities, Our Neighbors" on Saturday, April 18, 11am-12:30pm at the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Ave S). Narrated by Kwabi Amoah-Forson (the Peace Bus), the film shows the powerful impression Quasim has had on civil rights and social justice in our city. This family friendly film is free for everyone and will be followed by a discussion.

On Saturday, April 18, 11am-12:30pm, Creative Colloquy offers "A Workshop for the Senses: Using Art to Create Poetry" at Tacoma Public Library Wheelock Branch (3722 N 26 St). In this free, interactive workshop, poets Sandy King and Cat Melaunie invite participants to explore visual art through the lens of the senses. Through guided prompts and generative exercises, you’ll look more closely, listen more deeply, and translate your impressions into vivid words and unexpected connections. This workshop is intended for adults.

Tacoma Arts Live presents Double Shot Theater Festival at the Tacoma Armory (1101 S Yakima) on Saturday, April 18 (7:30pm) and Sunday, April 19 (3:00pm). This weekend festival offers a funny, creative, and poignant snapshot of the moment new works are born. Created, rehearsed, and performed over the course of 24 hours, it provides audiences a look inside the creative process. Double Shot is produced by Theater Northwest in partnership with Northwest Playwrights Alliance. Purchase tickets here: https://www.tacomaartslive.org/events/double-shot-2026/

On Monday, April 20, 6:30-9pm, join Ted Brown Music Outreach and Real Art Tacoma for Live it OutLoud: Mix N' Match Jam Night. Jam Solo, as a band, or play with a professional backup band, meet other local musicians, and try out new songs on stage. This free, family-friendly event takes place at Real Art Tacoma (5412 S Tacoma Way).

For more details on registration, tickets, and even more wonderful events, check out the Tacoma Creates Events Calendar at www.tacomacreates.org/events

How important do you think it is for the City of Tacoma to continue supporting funding for community groups, businesses, and organizations to produce arts programming for the public?

Let us know what you think.

This past year brought important milestones and renewed commitments to Tacoma's cultural sector, including the reauthorization of Tacoma Creates, the 25th anniversary of the 1% for Art Program, and the 24th anniversary of Tacoma Arts Month.

We still have work to do!

The Arts & Cultural Vitality Division is currently updating our strategic plan to inform the next 10 years and would like your input.

Please take a short, anonymous survey to help us understand how well our programs and services are meeting community needs, how we can deepen equity and access, how we can communicate more effectively, what to prioritize moving forward, and how people experience Tacoma's cultural landscape.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective with us.

surveymonkey.com/r/ACVplan

City of Tacoma Government

Check out these four exciting Tacoma Creates-supported events as we move into Spring →

**UPDATE: The Night Media Foundation event on 3/27 has been canceled due to illness**

On March 26, from 1-3pm, join Cousin Collective at Barangay Tropical Park and Community Garden (1892 S 46th St) for a mid-day work session. This hands-on implementation session includes site clearing, bed repair, soil management, drainage corrections, and infrastructure reset. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, tools are provided, and all skill levels are welcome at this free and family friendly event.
For more: https://www.cousinco.org - Cousin Co

The Night Media Foundation presents "Anatomy of a Night Show" on March 27 at 4:30pm. This talk showcases the process behind the creation and ex*****on of a Night Show and will feature commentary from the executive team and youth volunteers detailing the production of the show and highlight important event and content production principles for the community. This free event is intended for adults and takes place at Tacoma Public Library Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Ave S).
For more: https://www.thenightshownw.com - The Night Show

On March 28, from 3:30-5pm, Tacoma Refugee Choir presents "Playing in the Present Moment - A Free Community Workshop". Through gentle movement, breathing practices, relaxing music, chair yoga, and mindful meditation, you’ll explore how presence and self-awareness can deepen the way we express ourselves and connect with the people around us. All ability levels are welcome to attend this event held at Tacoma Public Library Wheelock Branch (3722 N 26th St).
For more: https://www.refugeechoir.org

On April 4, from 11-12:30pm, Tacoma Tree Foundation presents "Wetland Wonders" with local botanist Romey Haberle, a walking exploration of spring flowers and other botanical wonders in a forested wetland. Hidden away by dense vegetation along busy Pearl and N 19th St, the SE corner of Tacoma Community College (6501 S 19th St) is a series of wetlands connected by gentle trails. This free, family friendly event is capped at 25, register to reserve your place: https://tacomatreefoundation.org/calendar/wetlands

For more details on registration, tickets, and even more wonderful events, check out the Tacoma Creates Events Calendar at www.tacomacreates.org/events

Tacoma Creates application deadlines are coming soon!

📆 Deadline for the Impact Funding application is Monday, March 23, 2026, 11:59 pm, and Comprehensive Organizational Support Funding applications have closed.

Tacoma Creates staff are available to assist interested applicants with questions about guidelines, provide feedback about proposal ideas, and – with enough lead time – can review drafts of proposal narratives or budget forms or other application elements.

We encourage interested applicants to schedule a 20–30-minute meeting at https://calendly.com/tacomacreates/

For more details about organization eligibility and application requirements, visit https://www.tacomacreates.org/impact-funding

Photo: LeMay - America's Car Museum
City of Tacoma Government Tacoma Arts

Tacoma Creates application deadlines are coming soon in March!

📆 Deadline for the Comprehensive Organizational Support application is Monday, March 9, 2026, 11:59 pm.

📆 Deadline for the Impact Funding application is Monday, March 23, 2026, 11:59 pm.

Tacoma Creates staff are available to assist applicants with questions about guidelines, provide feedback about proposal ideas, and – with enough lead time – can review drafts of proposal narratives or budget forms or other application elements.

We encourage interested applicants to schedule a 20–30-minute meeting at https://calendly.com/tacomacreates/.

For more details about organization eligibility and application requirements, visit https://www.tacomacreates.org/comprehensive-organizational-support or https://www.tacomacreates.org/impact-funding.

Check out our Application Assistance page for more information! www.tacomacreates.org/application-assistance.

Photo: Asia Pacific Cultural Center
City of Tacoma Government Tacoma Arts

Would you like to provide after-school programming in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools?

The City of Tacoma / Tacoma Creates, Tacoma Public Schools, Parks Tacoma, and other community partners are collaborating to grow the number of class offerings for Beyond the Bell and Club B during the 2026-27 school year.

We are looking for community partners who can deliver engaging and meaningful after school programming for elementary or middle school students, with a focus on arts, culture, science, and other youth development and enrichment programs. Classes meet 2 days per week, in 4 8-week sessions throughout the school year, at Tacoma Public Schools across the city. These are paid opportunities, with funding coming from a variety of sources.

For local non-profit arts, culture, heritage, and/or science organizations that meet the eligibility criteria for Tacoma Creates, we encourage you to submit an Impact Funding application by the March 23 deadline. Find all the details at https://www.tacomacreates.org/impact-funding; we encourage organizations not currently funded by Tacoma Creates to reach out to staff at [email protected] for eligibility review and application support.

For organizations not eligible for Tacoma Creates funding and for individual community members interested in teaching classes, we encourage you to apply through Parks Tacoma. Find all the details at www.beyondthebelltacoma.org, and reach out to staff at [email protected] for application support.

Engaging with Beyond the Bell and Club B is a great way to connect with community, support student growth, and increase access and opportunity to enriching learning opportunities. Learn more about these programs at www.beyondthebelltacoma.org.

Image: Beyond the Bell, Edison Elementary. Photo by Parks Tacoma
City of Tacoma Government

Tacoma Creates is here to help you start the new year! Here are five exciting events happening over the next few weeks →

👯 On Friday, January 16, 4-5pm, join Pacific Northwest Dance Foundation at Tacoma Public Library Wheelock Branch (3722 North 26 St) for a vibrant exploration of nursery rhymes and brain dances. This fun hour of song and movement is designed for grade K and under and their parent/caregiver. PNWDFoundation
https://www.pnwdancefoundation.com/

🦈 Join Communities for a Healthy Bay on Saturday, January 17, 10-11:30am, for Sharks of Washington. Hear from guest speaker, Lisa Hillier, about the shark populations inhabiting our waters and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s efforts to monitor and manage these species. In addition, she will present recent scientific findings on two species that have expanded their range into the deeper waters of South Puget Sound! This event is free and open to the public and takes place at Asia Pacific Cultural Center (4851 S Tacoma Way).
https://www.healthybay.org/

☀️Join Hilltop Urban Gardens (1304 S 23rd St) for Somatic Sundays, on Sunday, January 18 from 2:30-5:45pm! Somatic Sundays are a gentle weekly space to reconnect with your body, nourish your nervous system, and settle into deeper presence. Each Sunday offers two practices (Mala Yoga & Qi Gong) that honor rhythm, breath, and inner awareness, with options for all levels and all bodies. $5 suggested donation. https://www.hilltopurbangardens.org/

🇰🇷 Asia Pacific Cultural Center invites you to come and learn about the Korean Culture. Join Patsy O'Connell at Tacoma Public Library Wheelock Branch (3722 North 26th St) on Tuesday, January 20, from 5-7pm. This program is designed for adults. Register to attend: https://tacoma.bibliocommons.com/events/68cb3cbd023ff3280079c14d

🎻 On Saturday, January 24, journey into musical landscapes with Northwest Sinfonietta Wayfarer concert, and we'll delve into Debussy's hazy, sun-drenched afternoon with Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and ride interstellar waves in Nokuthula Ngwenyama's Primal Message. World-renowned mezzo soprano Michelle DeYoung will sing Mahler's beautiful and deeply personal song cycle, Songs of a Wayfarer, and the program closes with Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, brimming with vibrant colors of the Mediterranean. This 7:30pm concert is at Schneebeck Concert Hall (1567-1625 N Union Ave). Ticket link: https://nwsinfonietta.org/

For more details on registration, tickets, and even more wonderful events, check out the Tacoma Creates Events Calendar at www.tacomacreates.org/events