TAIP Grants: $40K available for Tacoma artists

The City of Tacoma is now accepting Tacoma Artists Initiative Program (TAIP) funding applications from eligible Tacoma artists who wish to create new artwork and present that work through a free public component. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 26, 2015.

“TAIP is a remarkable program and I am proud that the City offers artists the opportunity to develop innovative work for public benefit,” said Tacoma Arts Commission Chair Traci Kelly. “From traditional art exhibits, music and dance performances, to free ‘how to’ workshops, Tacoma continues to benefit from the creative energy participants contribute to our community.”

Past TAIP grant recipients include R. R. Anderson, C. Rosalind Bell, Lynn Di Nino, Kareem Kandi, Lisa Kinoshita, Chandler O’Leary, James Grayson Sinding, and Lucas Smiraldo.

The Tacoma Arts Commission has allocated $40,000 for TAIP funding, and each selected artist will be awarded $2,500. Funding for TAIP is determined through a competitive application process. A panel comprised of Tacoma Arts Commission members, community members, and past TAIP awardees will review applications and make funding recommendations. Those recommendations will go to the Tacoma Arts Commission for approval. All projects selected for TAIP funding must be completed by Sat., Dec. 31, 2016.

Eligibility extends to artists who are residents of Tacoma, practicing artists who are dedicated to producing artwork on a regular basis, are 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 2011 and 2014 are not eligible to apply.

More details, including information on other eligibility requirements and the application form, are available at cityoftacoma.org/funding. Application forms are also available by calling (253) 591-5191 or emailing nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org.

Applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop which explains and addresses questions about the application and funding process on Tues., Dec. 16, 2014, from 5:30-7 p.m., in the Tacoma Municipal Building, located at 747 Market St., 9th floor, Visibility Center Conference Room, in downtown Tacoma.