The Tacoma Arts Commission has generously allocated $100,000 through the TAIP initiative, benefiting twenty-five local creators spanning diverse artistic fields such as dance, cinema, interdisciplinary projects, literature, music, performance, and visual arts. Each artist will receive a grant of $4,000, granting them two years to conceive novel creations and organize complimentary community events.

"This funding represents a significant endorsement of Tacoma's artistic talent, regardless of their career phase or neighborhood," expressed Heide Fernandez-Llamazares, Chair of the Tacoma Arts Commission. "The public programs conceived by these artists promise to foster community connections via shared cultural moments."

The 2026-2027 TAIP grantees and their proposed public initiatives—accessible and free to all—include:

• Brendan Allen – Premiering an original string quartet composed entirely from instruments crafted from salvaged timber
• Curtis Ashby – Designing a monumental mural honoring regional avian fauna and indigenous flora
• Vaquero Azul – Presenting intricate folk art niches that delve into Mesoamerican heritage and LGBTQ+ narratives, complemented by participatory workshops
• Tor Caspersen – Streaming a live and on-demand concert for an EP merging hip-hop beats, electronic sounds, and the haunting tones of the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle
• Saign Charlestein – Hiding commemorative bronze medals throughout the city, inspired by the equine year, inviting discovery and preservation by residents
• Sarah A. Chavez – Hosting literary workshops and readings centered on themes of bereavement intertwined with cultural identity
• Cennady Coleman – Curating photographic displays alongside personal narratives examining hair as a form of self-expression across varied cultures
• Alex Fazekas-Boone – Showcasing a documentary chronicling the storied skateboarding legacy at Thea’s Park
• Aaron Green – Orchestrating an interactive event combining glassblowing artistry with hip-hop, coinciding with a new album release
• Mari Griffin – Delivering spoken word performances fused with jazz and R&B, plus creative writing sessions
• Erin Guinup – Performing choral compositions that confront mental health challenges and coping mechanisms
• Julia Josephine – Leading a collaborative lantern-making workshop culminating in a spectacle of illuminated puppetry
• Jenny Liou – Facilitating writing retreats focused on nature and migration experiences
• Jason Loan – Conducting a public lecture and unveiling ephemeral, location-specific video artworks reflecting Tacoma's spirit
• Mel McCarthy – Screening the comedic film "Wheel Force Go!" followed by dialogue with the local filmmakers
• Stephanie Meredith – Displaying mixed-media paintings on motherhood alongside instruction in basic textile and painting techniques
• Yaya Mulvey Moir – Exhibiting handcrafted beadwork bridging Mohawk and Celtic artistic traditions
• Teresa Owens – Organizing communal crochet gatherings and an exhibit using lichen as a metaphor for human interconnectedness
• Allison Preisinger – Presenting a Folk Americana album launch featuring acoustic instrumentation
• Adela Ramos March – Offering interactive sessions on culinary storytelling and zine creation
• Saiyare Refaei – Hosting a multicultural children's book launch celebrating Persian New Year with accompanying activities
• TQ Spellman – Performing a majorette-inspired dance routine integrating diverse movement genres
• Jessica Spring – Arranging a multidisciplinary reading for "Queer Tails" featuring eco-illustrated alphabet art
• Helen Thorsen – Leading a Butoh dance workshop and concert with live accompaniment and film projection
• Kristin Tollefson – Showcasing wearable art designed to celebrate aging, modeled by senior participants

The TAIP, established in 1999, continues to nurture Tacoma's artistic vibrancy by supporting individual creators, fostering skill development, and promoting inclusive community participation through accessible art experiences.

For additional details, please consult the Tacoma Arts Commission funding page.

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