The Tacoma Arts Commission announced its funding awards April 11 to support 16 arts organizations and 12 individual artists through the Arts Projects and Tacoma Artists Initiative Programs.

“This is such an exciting time for the commission. We are truly fulfilling our mandate to foster the arts and artists in Tacoma,” said Tacoma Arts Commission Chair Phillip Hill. “Funding from the Tacoma Arts Commission assists in bringing amazing art and art experiences to Tacoma and validates the hard work and talents of our creative community.”

The Arts Projects category funds arts organizations.  Sixteen organizations were funded for a total of $50,000, including: African American Museum, Puget Sound Revels, Puget Sound Poetry Connection, Chinese Opera R&D Association, Fab 5, Old Town Business District, Dome District, Proctor Business District, Tacoma Concert Band, Maritime Fest, Face West, Roosevelt Dancers, Artrod, Tacoma Contemporary, Farmer’s Market and Tacoma Neighborhoods Together. There were 23 funding requests submitted, totaling $83,067. 

The Tacoma Artists Initiative Program funds individual artists to create new work.  Twelve artists were funded for a total of $35,000.  The following artists were funded: Pam Gazale, Phillip Roach, Shannon Eakins, Barry Maxwell, Jessica Spring, Marc Dombrosky, Jared Pappas-Kelley, Lisa Albers, Chris Sharp, Sue Tjardes, Bill Colby and Matthew Frantz. There were 32 funding requests submitted, totaling $125,733.

Funds for these Tacoma Arts Commission awards are included in the City of Tacoma’s 2005-2006 biennial budget.