The City of Tacoma is now accepting Community Arts Projects funding applications from eligible organizations and groups producing publicly accessible arts programming across all artistic disciplines within Tacoma city limits in 2026. Funding can be used for a variety of arts-focused projects, including, but not limited to, artistic presentations, activities, events, workshops, experiences, festivals, performances, or other projects that are accessible to the general public. Funded projects must take place in Tacoma and be completed between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Applicants can apply for either $4,000 or $6,000 for their project. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on October 27, 2025.
Eligibility extends to private non-profit corporations with a 501(c) designation, organized groups of people working together for a specific mission or purpose, for-profit businesses or educational institutions producing projects that are non-profit in nature, and tribes or Native non-profit organizations. Applicants are required to have offices or their place of business within Tacoma, or if they have no offices, a majority of their activities must take place within Tacoma city limits. See guidelines for complete eligibility terms and requirements.
Funding for Community Arts Projects is determined through a competitive application process and is contingent on official approval of the budget by the City. The number of projects funded will be based on the availability of funds and review of each application as measured against the evaluation criteria detailed in the guidelines.
More details, including access to the online application form, are available at tacoma.gov/artsopps. Community members with questions about the application guidelines can also email nstrom-avila@tacoma.gov or call (253) 591-5191.
Free Workshop Regarding Application and Funding Process on October 8
Applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop, which explains and addresses questions about the application and funding process. The workshop will be held virtually on October 8, 2025, from 5:30 – 7 PM at bit.ly/26CAPworkshop. This workshop will be recorded and posted at tacoma.gov/artsopps.
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Previously funded projects have included (clockwise from upper left of photo): arts and cultural programming at Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s New Year Celebration; Hilltop Artists’ creation and distribution of glass art for Tacoma Monkeyshines; arts and cultural programming at Washington State History Museum’s In The Spirit festival; arts and cultural programming at the Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival; and music concerts by Tacoma Refugee Choir.