­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/ba1ed0b3-b7d5-d786-e2bc-90c1b9ed3402.png?dpr=2&rect=0%2C661%2C2000%2C669&w=613&h=205] Spring Opportunities from the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division If you're a working artist in Tacoma, this one's for you. We have a free workshop coming up to help you navigate Artist Trust’s GAP grant application and our Mural Artist Roster is open for new submissions. Details on both are below, along with some upcoming programming presented by a few of our funded artists and organizations, a short survey to help shape the next decade of arts programming, and a venue resource to keep in your back pocket. [https://mcusercontent.com/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/b28f946c-5587-dc76-b5e4-979cc304e31a.png] [https://mcusercontent.com/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/1d03bc08-23c9-4c01-b93d-1c55fd198a34.png] Application Workshop for GAP Funding Artist Trust's Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) is a statewide grant for individual artists working in any discipline. Want to know how to apply? Join us for a free workshop led by Tacoma-based filmmaker and 2024 GAP recipient Derek Nunn. Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 - 7:30 pm Tacoma Public Library, Main Branch 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. Free with registration (closes at 2 pm the day of the event.) Click the button below to register. Derek brings 15+ years of film and television experience and will break down the application step-by-step, share tips from his own process, and leave time for Q&A. Presented in partnership with Artist Trust and Tacoma Public Library. Questions? Please contact dgarcia2@tacoma.gov<mailto:dgarcia2@tacoma.gov?subject=Question%20about%20GAP%20workshop&body=> [SIGN UP FOR WORKSHOP] [https://mcusercontent.com/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/4fb25f81-3aa5-69bc-d958-dfc417e4e029.png]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/tacomaarts.submittable.com/submit__;!!CRCbkf1f!WXcFUIhOc71D0L_bA-ty2X3CmQ7sZ7VDWMwunkwb1v0hYtBm3O6cV-WuzKBAARqSSrlPFY-KROPhvARI98lWfWRb7kZx$> Apply to the Mural Artist Roster The City of Tacoma's Mural Artist Roster is open for applications. The City of Tacoma, private building owners, and community groups use this roster to find and hire muralists. If you are added, your portfolio is hosted publicly, so people seeking artists can reach you directly for all kinds of mural opportunities. We are looking for artists who communicate a unique vision or perspective, show an authentic relationship to their subject matter, show an ability to engage a site and community, and show skill in their technique and potential to work at mural scale. Already on the roster? You are eligible to resubmit your portfolio with no panel review required. Please check your inbox for direct instructions. To apply, you will need a 250-word statement about your work, a short bio, and 8 work samples with descriptions. Applications are submitted through Submittable. AI-generated content is not accepted as work samples. Artist teams may apply. You must be a Pierce County resident, 18 years old or older, and not a current Tacoma Arts Commission member or City of Tacoma employee. Deadline: Tuesday, June 2 at 5 pm [APPLY TO MURAL ARTIST ROSTER] Funded Programming Highlights [https://mcusercontent.com/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/622a0da2-d0a6-f482-0105-7d06365d4534.png]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.eventbrite.com/e/who-tq-tickets-1988353119706__;!!CRCbkf1f!WXcFUIhOc71D0L_bA-ty2X3CmQ7sZ7VDWMwunkwb1v0hYtBm3O6cV-WuzKBAARqSSrlPFY-KROPhvARI98lWfScwAUBG$> WHO TQ? This HBCU-inspired dance showcase blends rhythm, storytelling, and cultural legacy into a high-energy stage performance. Created by Tacoma artist TQ Spellman, the production uses movement as a narrative form, drawing from Black dance traditions to explore identity, community, and expression. May 22, 7 pm and May 23, 2 pm Stadium High School, 111 N E St. Admission is free [RESERVE YOUR SEAT] [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/394bf990-a6af-3e0d-e4e3-ae536c5fcfbf.png?dpr=2&rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C739&w=298&h=204]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.barefootcollective.org/__;!!CRCbkf1f!WXcFUIhOc71D0L_bA-ty2X3CmQ7sZ7VDWMwunkwb1v0hYtBm3O6cV-WuzKBAARqSSrlPFY-KROPhvARI98lWfZ9o0Sd7$> Dance in the Park Join Barefoot Collective for this free event at Tacoma's beautiful Wapato Park. Dance works exploring "connection" include choreography by local artists and will be centered around the bath house at the park. Bring your own seating and enjoy! May 16 & 17, 3 pm Wapato Park, 6500 S. Sheridan Ave. Admission is free [FIND OUT MORE] [https://mcusercontent.com/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/37fa1d97-215e-1ca5-61de-224a02e083c1.png]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.tacomaartslive.org/events/champagne-sunday/__;!!CRCbkf1f!WXcFUIhOc71D0L_bA-ty2X3CmQ7sZ7VDWMwunkwb1v0hYtBm3O6cV-WuzKBAARqSSrlPFY-KROPhvARI98lWfYUHxD3Z$> Live at the Eleanor with Champagne Sunday Join Tacoma Arts Live for an intimate concert by Champagne Sunday, a Tacoma-based glam-folk duo. Drawing on over 20 years of shared life experience, their music pairs emotional depth with warmth, humor, and rich vocal harmony, creating performances that feel both intimate and uplifting. May 29, 8 pm Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Tickets $23.75 [RESERVE YOUR SEAT] [https://mcusercontent.com/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/eb62648a-fa27-152f-d976-b9a7ab28e949.png] Coming in June: Live at the Eleanor with Champagne Sunday Join The Chayah Movement for the closing event of Threads of Freedom: Where Heritage, Fashion, and Freedom Meet. This evening features artist conversations with Pacific Northwest designers of the African diaspora, live performances, and a final opportunity to explore the month-long showcase. Rooted in the spirit of Juneteenth, the event honors Black culture, creativity, and freedom through fashion, storytelling, and community. June 25, 6 pm The Lumora, Downtown Tacoma Free with RSVP via Eventbrite [RESERVE YOUR SEAT] [https://mcusercontent.com/dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8/images/00d5171f-c3f4-5d84-0bc3-24b302808d06.jpg]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACVplan__;!!CRCbkf1f!WXcFUIhOc71D0L_bA-ty2X3CmQ7sZ7VDWMwunkwb1v0hYtBm3O6cV-WuzKBAARqSSrlPFY-KROPhvARI98lWfUAzo_74$> Strategic Plan Survey Closing Soon We're updating our strategic plan and want to hear from you by May 15. This past year the City of Tacoma marked some important milestones and renewed commitments to Tacoma's cultural sector, including the reauthorization of Tacoma Creates, the 25th anniversary of the 1% for Art Program, and the 24th anniversary of Tacoma Arts Month. We still have work to do. The Arts & Cultural Vitality Division is currently updating our strategic plan to inform the next 10 years and would like your input. Please take a short, anonymous survey to help us understand how well our programs and services are meeting community needs, how we can deepen equity and access, how we can communicate more effectively, what to prioritize moving forward, and how people experience Tacoma's cultural landscape. Your perspective matters! Whether you are an artist, a cultural organization, or a community member who values what Tacoma's cultural sector brings to this city, we want to hear from you. Click the survey link below and share your thoughts by May 15. [STRATEGIC PLAN SURVEY] [Facebook icon]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cityoftacoma.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8&id=a6bfa1122c&e=244039bfa0__;!!CRCbkf1f!WXcFUIhOc71D0L_bA-ty2X3CmQ7sZ7VDWMwunkwb1v0hYtBm3O6cV-WuzKBAARqSSrlPFY-KROPhvARI98lWfdF4a7bB$> [Instagram icon]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cityoftacoma.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dab5c8dcabb4a48a61875c4b8&id=e2d7984ac7&e=244039bfa0__;!!CRCbkf1f!WXcFUIhOc71D0L_bA-ty2X3CmQ7sZ7VDWMwunkwb1v0hYtBm3O6cV-WuzKBAARqSSrlPFY-KROPhvARI98lWfSNDb51t$> Copyright (C) 2026 City of Tacoma Arts & Cultural Vitality Division. All rights reserved. Thank you for signing up for the City of Tacoma Arts & Cultural Vitality Division newsletter! Our mailing address is: Arts & Cultural Vitality Division 747 Market St Rm 900 Tacoma, WA 98402-3701