Individual artists based in Tacoma may apply now through Jan. 24, 2011 for Tacoma Artists Initiative Program (TAIP) funding in the range of $1,000 to $5,000. Funding supports the creation and completion of new artwork, as well as local activities connecting these artists with Tacoma citizens on a deeper level. In the past, funded artists have helped bring about a rich array of public exhibits, readings, film screenings, workshops, performances and more.

A free workshop explaining TAIP’s eligibility requirements and application process will be held on Jan. 5, 2011 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., Room 708.

Basic TAIP eligibility requirements state that an applicant must be a resident of Tacoma, a practicing artist who is dedicated to producing artwork on a regular basis, at least 18 years of age, and not a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in an arts-related degree program. Artists who have received TAIP funding between 2007 and 2010 are not eligible to apply. All projects selected for TAIP funding during the current application cycle must be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.

Information about artists who have received TAIP funding in the past, full eligibility requirements and the application form are available on the Tacoma Arts Commission website at http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/funding.asp . Requests for hard copy application forms can be directed to Cultural Arts Specialist Naomi Strom-Avila at nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5191.