The City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Arts Commission announced Friday they are accepting applications for the 2015-16 Arts Anchor Fund, a biennial program that selects organizations to provide a variety of cultural services throughout the community.

Arts Anchor Fund organizations are Tacoma’s largest community-based arts organizations that strive to significantly improve the quality of life for the citizens of Tacoma. These organizations “anchor” the cultural scene in Tacoma; have a solid history of financial stability; offer artistic work of exceptionally high quality; draw artists to the community; and significantly strengthen the mix of artistic offerings available locally.

Arts Anchor Fund eligibility extends to organizations that have a mission that is primarily arts centered; have a record of at least five years of ongoing paid employment of professional administrative and artistic personnel; have an annual operating budget of at least $250,000 per year; and are headquartered in Tacoma with major venues located within Tacoma city limits.

Organizations selected for funding will be contracted for $20,000 to $40,000 for the two-year term.

Applications are available online here. The deadline for applications expires on Mon., Jan. 26, 2015, at 3 p.m.

Organizations awarded 2013-2014 Arts Anchor Fund grants include Grand Cinema; Hilltop Artists; Museum of Glass; NW Sinfonietta; Tacoma Art Museum; Tacoma Musical Playhouse; Tacoma Opera; Tacoma Symphony; and Tacoma Youth Symphony.