Tacoma Creates Expands Community Vibrancy
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~ The City of Tacoma has seen a surge in community vibrancy with the help of Tacoma Creates, a cultural access program that has been the first of its kind in Washington state. In the 2022-2023 funding cycle, 56 organizations were funded with $4.5 million to provide over 1,100 cultural programs and events for the community.

Mayor Victoria Woodards expressed her appreciation for the investments made in these organizations, noting that they are important to local identity and growth and development of young people. Sheree Cooks, Chair of the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, also commented on the impact of this program, saying it is bringing community members together and creating positive outlets for self-expression.

Approximately one third of these programs were youth education programs offered in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools. 175 field trips were supported by bus transportation for students to broaden their horizons and experience arts, culture, heritage, and science. 67 programs were also supported at branch locations across the city through a partnership with Tacoma Public Library.

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Nearly 80 percent of these programs and events were offered free of charge to the community and had over 300,000 attendees at free in-person cultural events. 65 percent of funds allocated went towards producing programs and events in neighborhoods across the city as well.

Tacoma Creates funding has helped cultural organizations build sustainability and expand access to programming by investing in staffing, collaborations with other organizations within and outside the sector, as well as infrastructure to become more inclusive and equitable organizations. This has allowed many organizations to increase paid work opportunities for artists and other cultural workers who are an integral part of the local creative economy.

To learn more about Tacoma Creates or download a copy of their 2022-2023 Annual Report visit tacomacreates.org

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