The City of Tacoma is now accepting Arts Projects funding applications from eligible organizations producing publicly accessible arts programming within Tacoma city limits in 2014. Arts Projects funding ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, and supports community projects that focus on the arts. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 6, 2013.

Past funding has supported a variety of projects including, but not limited to, arts components of festivals; arts workshops; dance, theater, and music performances; youth-focused arts programming; arts-focused cultural and historical events; exhibits; and literary events. Past Arts Projects funding recipients include the 6th Avenue Business District; Asia Pacific Cultural Center; Children’s Museum of Tacoma; Commencement Bay Maritime Fest; King’s Books; Tacoma Farmers Market; Washington State Historical Society; and the West End Neighborhood Council.

Funded events must take place between Jan. 20, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2014.

Eligibility extends to private non-profit agencies with a 501(c) designation; organized groups of community volunteers, such as a business district or neighborhood council with an advisory body, business license and organizational bank account; and educational institutions or for-profit businesses wishing to produce not-for-profit arts functions. Applicants are required to have offices within Tacoma or, if they have no office, a majority of the applicant’s activities must take place within Tacoma city limits. Other eligibility requirements apply. Guidelines are available online here.

Funding for Arts Projects is determined through a competitive application process. Actual contract amounts will be based upon availability of funds and the review of each application as measured against evaluation criteria detailed in the guidelines.

Organizations interested in applying for Arts Projects funding can read about past funded projects and download the guidelines and application form on the ‘Funding’ page of cityoftacoma.org/arts. 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. The workshop will be held Nov. 8, 2013, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., in Tacoma Municipal Building North, located at 728 St. Helens, Room 16, in Tacoma.