Tacoma's cultural heartbeat is getting a robust infusion of cash. The Tacoma Creates Advisory Board has stamped its approval on contracts that will funnel roughly $6.4 million into the local nonprofit scene, as reported by Tacoma's official website. This cash injection is aimed at organizations whose lifeblood is arts, culture, heritage, and science—80 of them to be exact—and marks the sixth consecutive year of such funding.
The diverse roster of beneficiaries includes creative hubs such as ArtCity Tacoma, Alchemy Skateboarding, and the Museum of Glass. "Arts, culture, heritage, and science are the heart and soul of our community," Mayor Victoria Woodards articulated in a statement obtained by Tacoma's official website. "They connect us to each other, inspire the next generation, and bring our city to life," she said, remarking on the City of Tacoma Creates program's role in strengthening the community fabric.
According to the City of Tacoma, Boasting of diverse programs, including free workshops in Tacoma Public Library branches and educational partnerships with every Tacoma Public School, Deputy Mayor Kiara Daniels emphasized the inclusivity and vibrancy these funds introduce to the city's cultural landscape. Amid financial uncertainties, Council Member Jamika Scott hailed Tacoma Creates as a "smart, long-term investment in our community," which she said is visible in "our local economy, in expanded access to programming, and in the continued growth of creative opportunities."
With over $6 million at play, the 2025-2026 funding cycle cements Tacoma’s commitment to nurturing a rich cultural ecosystem that traverses the full spectrum of creativity, from large-scale exhibitions to neighborly art initiatives. Funding supports a range of activities scheduled between July 1 and June 30, 2026. "Tacoma Creates facilitates amazing community collaborations," pointed out Council Member Kristina Walker, who told Tacoma's official website, "With this support, cultural organizations present free workshops at Tacoma Public Library branches and they provide learning opportunities for students at every single Tacoma Public School, including this year at the Summer Late Nights program."
The funding breadth encapsulates a mélange of entities, from the established Tacoma Opera and Symphony Tacoma to burgeoning ventures like the Southeast Asian Comedy Collective and the Puget Sound Revels. As the city of Tacoma continues its financial backing, these organizations are poised to spark cultural engagement and champion the arts as a cornerstone of community and economic vitality.
