The Tacoma Arts Commission recently awarded $50,000 in 2011 Arts Projects funding to 21 different Tacoma organizations in support of public outreach projects in the fields of music, dance, film, theater, literary and visual arts. The awards range in value from $1,000 to $5,000 and serve a cross-section of Tacoma’s community.

“The Tacoma Arts Commission is very pleased to provide ongoing support for the Arts Projects program that blends community and creativity. Keeping innovative and quality programming available is always a focus of the Commission, but it has been particularly important during the current economic downturn,” said Sarah Idstrom, 2011 chair of the Tacoma Arts Commission. “The groups funded for the 2011 cycle illustrate the wonderful diversity of Tacoma, and will enable all of us to experience a great variety of art forms throughout the city.”

The Arts Projects funding program supports high quality community projects with a strong focus on arts that are accessible and affordable to the public. Thirty Arts Projects applications were submitted to the Tacoma Arts Commission with requests totaling $117,315.

Funded projects include the production of six diverse cultural and arts festivals, an interdisciplinary mural at McCarver Park (2301 S. J St.), contemporary dance performances, a variety of music performances, theatrical productions, music programming at four farmers market locations, visual art instruction for people of all ages, film production and poetry readings.

Funded organizations include Asia Pacific Cultural Center, King’s Bookstore, D.A.S.H. Center for the Arts, Gold From Straw Theatre Company, Second City Chamber Series, Tacoma Concert Band, Tacoma Farmers Market, Northwest Repertory Singers, Proctor District Association, Tacoma Art Place, 6th Ave Business District, BQdanza, Children’s Museum of Tacoma, McCarver Elementary School, Old Town Business and Professional Association, Bible Quiz film project, Proctor Farmers’ Market, Bryant Montessori School, Normanna Male Chorus of Tacoma, Puget Sound Poetry Connection and SoJust.

Arts Projects is one of three funding programs administered by the Tacoma Arts Commission. For a complete listing of funding programs, publicly accessible funded projects and information about the Tacoma Arts Commission, visit http://www.tacomaculture.org .