Barefoot Collective's Community Flock Event
FUNDED ORGANIZATIONS
The Tacoma Creates Advisory Board has approved funding for the 2025-26 funding cycle to 80 arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations in Tacoma, totaling approximately $6.4 million. This funding cycle covers work from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, and includes a range of public programming for all ages, youth education programs, and a commitment to equitable and inclusive access for people throughout the City of Tacoma.
Explore the list of 2025-26 funded organizations below, and click on their photos to learn more on each organization’s website.
To see the funding details from the current year and previous years, visit the Funding History page, and check out the Events Calendar page for current programs.
Sixth Avenue Business District serves its members through organized collaborative efforts to promote a sustainable vibrant community footprint.
Alchemy Skateboarding is dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to skate, create, learn and grow through a variety of in-school and out-of-school camps, classes, and programs.
ArtCity Tacoma
ArtCity’s mission is to strengthen, unify, and promote the diverse creative ecosystem of Tacoma through honoring its history, commemorating its accomplishments, and nurturing its relationships with creative communities around the world.
Arts First aims to empower individuals of all ages, from youth to adults, by granting them the opportunity to participate in the arts. They achieve this by offering free filmmaking and dance classes in Tacoma, ensuring access to creative education for everyone.
Arts Impact programs bring local teaching artists into the classroom for hands-on, culturally grounded arts experiences with students and professional learning for teachers. Promoting creative problem-solving and social emotional growth, infusing the arts into core academic subjects also strengthens student learning in math, reading, science, social studies, and more.
Asia Pacific Cultural Center is a center for cultural exchange - providing programs and services that promote, honor, and celebrate the Asia Pacific people, representing 47 different countries.
Barefoot Collective is a community-based organization dedicated to creating opportunities for dance and related arts in the greater Tacoma area. Their goal is to foster a creative community through service projects, creative connections, and a collaborative spirit.
The Buffalo Soldiers Museum is about courage, bravery, dedication, and loyalty to this country. Their military history and contributions are a story of inspiration. These men persevered in adverse conditions to prove their love and loyalty to this nation.
Capoeira Vida is dedicated to providing equitable access to empowering Capoeira Angola teachings in Tacoma for art, culture, and vitality, focusing on under-resourced and under-represented youth and families.
Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation is a non-profit organization that advances civic harmony by way of the Tacoma Chinese Garden & Reconciliation Park on Schuster Parkway in Old Town along Commencement Bay.
Classical Tuesdays offers free musical events of diverse music not readily available to Tacoma audiences, providing a variety and breadth of high-quality musical experiences and cultural appreciation; their programming intends to both entertain and educate. The musicians are Tacoma/Puget Sound professionals and select award-winning youth.
For over 30 years, Communities for a Healthy Bay (CHB) has engaged the community in the cleanup, restoration, and protection of our natural environment. Today, CHB’s work is deeply tied to the values and principles of environmental justice – combining aspirations of both a just society and a sustainable environment.
Cousin Collective is a Tacoma-based nonprofit that integrates arts, agriculture, education, and liberation through participant-led programs rooted in sustainability and community empowerment. They support historically marginalized communities by fostering hyperlocal, circular economies and creative collaboration.
Creative Colloquy strives to highlight the South Sound literary community and build relationships based on mutual admiration of the written word through publication and gatherings.
Das Biest Performance Project’s mission is to support queer and disabled dancers in creating accessible space to work in dance professionally. Their work focuses on the weird and wonderful aspects of folklore, queerness, and disability.
Elements of Ed transforms education through creativity, inclusion, and the integration of art and science. Serving Tacoma for over 24 years, it provides inclusive, arts-integrated programs for individuals of all abilities, especially those with IDD, fostering empathy, community, and lifelong learning through hands-on, collaborative experiences.
Energize Tacoma is a dynamic interdisciplinary nonprofit organization uniting culture, art, and science (CAS) to invigorate Tacoma. Through collaborative projects and a passion for community growth, they aim to create a nexus where innovation meets creativity, fostering a thriving environment for artistic expression, scientific exploration, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Esperanza Móbil is a mobile family resource center focusing on the Spanish-speaking community. They are dedicated to bringing resources, workshops, and help to the Latino community.
FabLab Education is dedicated to expanding opportunities for experiential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education and to better communities through training individuals in innovation, critical thinking, and design through hands-on and digital fabrication.
The Foss Waterway Seaport is Puget Sound’s maritime heritage education and event center where families, groups, and communities come to discover, explore, learn, and play.
Greentrike powers the Children’s Museums of Tacoma and at JBLM, and programs that honor children and youth. Greentrike, formerly Children’s Museum of Tacoma, has championed play in Pierce County since 1985 with immersive indoor playscapes and early learning resources.
Guma' Imahe was created out of love for dance and a genuine desire to share this special love and related experiences with others. It is the philosophy of Guma' Imahe and it has been proven that involvement in the performing arts - dancing, singing, and music - can be very beneficial to the dancer in preparation for the world of tomorrow.
Hilltop Artists uses glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures.
Hilltop Urban Gardens (HUG) is a grassroots organization led and operated by Hilltop residents, that blends urban farming, culture, and art to build community resilience. Through gathering, education, and skill-sharing, HUG preserves equitable spaces where community grows urban crops, celebrates culture, and works together to promote heritage, health, and creativity.
The Job Carr Cabin Museum (JCCM) is a replica of Tacoma's first permanent non-Native residence. It was built in 2000, about a block away from the original site of Job’s frontier home.
Khmer Language Arts and Culture Academy is a nonprofit organization founded by dedicated parents and community leaders in Tacoma to provide a safe space for kids and anyone wanting to learn Khmer language, arts, and culture. Their mission is to strengthen the community through accessible education and cultural enrichment programs.
Kikaha is more than just a paddling club, they are a family that shares and celebrates Hawaiian culture. Through traditional practices, camaraderie, and storytelling, they bring the spirit of Aloha to the water and beyond. Kikaha is about paddling together, learning from each other, and building friendships that go far beyond the canoe.
LUSS’s mission is to facilitate the engagement of South Sound Latinos in the broader community by calling attention to the expressed needs of this diverse group, encouraging pride in Latino cultural heritage, and promoting and expanding on existing opportunities and resources.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum is an international destination and vibrant community hub where visitors of all ages can explore the rich history and culture of the automobile. Through year-round events and exhibitions, STEAM programming, and collaborative partnerships, they fuel America’s automotive passion and inspire the next generation of curious minds.
Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma nurtures artistic growth and supports physical and emotional well being through dance. They offer purposeful, excellent, passionate dance.
Mi Centro is a community-based non-profit that works with Latino and Indigenous native families through their educational programs, crisis intervention, family outreach services, arts and culture programming, and advocacy efforts that concern families and their community.
Momentum is an organization that helps independent musicians feel inspired, connected, and empowered to build momentum on their music journey. They partner with music educators and industry professionals to provide monthly masterclasses and meetings to grow confidence and improve access.
Museum of Glass (MOG) serves as the only contemporary art museum in the West dedicated to the medium of glass. Through hands-on access, impactful and engaging artist residencies, compelling exhibitions, and unique programs, MOG helps to ignite creativity, fuel discovery, and enrich lives through glass and glassmaking.
Music & Heart in Wright Park is a bedrock Tacoma music festival created by musicians and artists for musicians and artists. Experience a white hot stage, vendors, artists, food, the 2nd annual Stickerfest, and more.
New Tacoma Neighborhood Council (NTNC) is organized to work with the residents, businesses, and organizations within their service area and represent these needs to the City of Tacoma. They work on initiatives that enhance our community. NTNC covers Downtown, Stadium District, Dome District, part of Hilltop, and the Port of Tacoma.
Northwest Sinfonietta brings world-class art music experiences to Tacoma, serving our community with innovative and inspiring chamber orchestra concerts, community events, and student arts engagement opportunities for over 30 years.
Oasis Youth Center is the only organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-24 throughout Pierce County. Oasis provides engaging programs 6-days a week, special events throughout the year, vital resources and system navigation, as well as a 24/7 crisis line for youth and providers. Oasis has been a trusted organization serving the community since 1985 and they look forward to continuing to uplift and support queer youth!
One Table brings live theater to the unconventional space of a local Tacoma bar, restaurant, or cafe. Led by BIPOC directors/producers and featuring a diverse cast of performers, the show brings theater to new audiences while supporting local businesses.
Pacific Northwest Dance Foundation is dedicated to equitable art education for all through free classes, material and performance opportunities in our community.
Permaculture Lifestyle Institute (PLI) empowers communities through information, education, and demonstration of Permaculture systems, to develop climate resilient, ecologically sensitive, and sustainable community infrastructure systems that are climate and culturally relevant.
Puget Sound Revels® builds community through the arts using traditional song, dance, and story drawn from many cultures. Revels offers theater productions, seasonal celebrations, and educational opportunities for people of all ages, races, genders, and across the community.
Queer NW’s mission is to enhance the betterment of the LGBTQ+ community of the Pacific Northwest by showcasing the unique and talented individuals, groups, and organizations with emphasis on art, culture, health, and rights that make this community’s diversity incredibly remarkable.
Through education, advocacy, and celebration, Rainbow Center expands resources and safe space for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. Rainbow Center’s Education Program offers introductory, advanced, and custom cultural competency training. Rainbow Center also produces the Tacoma Pride Festival, a community event that centers and celebrates the LGBTQ community.
Real Art Tacoma is an all ages nonprofit performing arts and music venue. Real Art Tacoma’s aim is to create a space for young people to exist; to express themselves, to find and build community, to be empowered through art, music, and the free exchange of ideas.
Remakery is a Tacoma nonprofit that values reuse, repair, and rescuing waste from the landfill while helping the circular economy. Their motto is: using what we have to make what we love. Free workshops are held every month that provide tools, supplies, and practice on fabric and fiber crafting.
The Southeast Asian Comedy Collective is an AMOCAT award-winning team working to upend commonly held cultural stereotypes by highlighting the diverse cultures and identities of what it means to be a person of color in America.
Spaceworks unlocks opportunities by connecting creative professionals with space, training, and business resources. From the entrepreneurs and artists who dream big dreams to the Tacoma residents and donors who love their city and want to see it thrive, they are empowering the community and revitalizing the city one brilliant idea at a time.
Swan Creek Art Academy empowers underserved youth through innovative digital art and electronic music programs. By providing access to iPads, 3D printers, laser engravers, MIDI controllers, guitars, synthesizers, and drum machines, they inspire creativity and cultivate talent, enabling their students to thrive as artists and individuals. They envision a future where all young minds have the opportunity to explore their artistic passions, regardless of their background, while enriching communities with new art and music.
Symphony Tacoma’s mission is to build community through music. Inspiring audiences with live symphonic experiences that transcend tradition, their part-time professional orchestra annually performs concerts for nearly 15,000 citizens and provides education programs for approximately 6,000 youth in the greater Pierce County region.
Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) is a premier destination and resource for the art of the Pacific Northwest and the broader Western region. Celebrating over 85 years, TAM’s mission is to transform communities by sharing art that inspires broader perspectives and cultivates a compassionate future. TAM’s collection contains more than 5,400 works.
Founded in 1979 and based at the historic Tacoma Armory, Tacoma Arts Live is a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community. They present programs that entertain, educate, and foster cross-cultural understanding while expanding access to the arts, uplifting BIPOC and women entrepreneurs, and supporting youth-focused creative initiatives.
Tacoma Boat Builders creates transformational opportunities by providing programs for marginalized and court-connected youth through positive mentorship, hands-on learning through woodworking and on-the-water activities.
The Tacoma Concert Band (TCB) is a leading symphonic wind ensemble that advances music education and community engagement through free public performances, youth outreach via school clinics, side-by-side program, student soloist competition, and a conducting fellowship program. Rooted in Tacoma for over 45 years, TCB brings world-class music to diverse audiences while nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Tacoma Historical Society’s mission is to collect, document, and share the unique history of Tacoma, Washington. Tacoma Historical Society and Tacoma Historical Society Museum forges connections between generations, fosters an appreciation for the past, and cultivates a sense of place within our community.
The Tacoma Light Trail is a free festival of light art and sound in downtown Tacoma, with a sound/art Trail, New Year’s Eve parade, live performances and lighted bike ride. The festival uses light art to bring light to dark times, lift up diverse voices and bring the community together through values we all share – truth, hope, justice, peace.
Tacoma Little Theatre provides live theatre and education programs that inspire through stories reflecting the vibrancy of our diverse community.
The Tacoma Music Academy formed for the purpose of advancement of music education. Their mission is to provide quality music education opportunities to children of Tacoma and Pierce County, regardless of income and ability to pay; to make music education accessible to underserved populations; and to promote the overall developmental benefits of music education.
Tacoma Music Collaborative provides music students of all levels and ages the opportunity to perform on a non-competitive basis as soloist with live orchestral accompaniment in musical festivals (fall and spring) that are open to the public.
Founded in 1994, Tacoma Musical Playhouse (TMP) presents fully-staged musicals, family theater, and specialty shows. TMP is the largest National and International Award-Winning community theater in the Pacific Northwest with year-round educational programs.
Tacoma Opera Association is Tacoma’s professional opera company, serving Pierce County and the surrounding region by offering traditional and non-traditional operatic productions in an intimate, atmospheric setting that allows audiences to experience opera in a uniquely personal way, touching the heart and stimulating the mind.
Tacoma Photo Center provides the community with arts education, community building, and a safe space to create. They are open for all mediums of art, but have express expertise in photography and film production.
Porchfest is a free, walkable music festival that takes place on porches. Come meet your neighbors and find your new favorite band!
The Tacoma Refugee Choir (TRC) is composed of refugees, immigrants, and supporters who sing together to educate and inspire change in our community. Community building and education are central to TRC’s program, emphasizing the power of each individual to welcome and support others and use their voice to make a difference.
Tacoma Sister Cities strives to enhance communication, promote goodwill and understanding, and foster continuing person-to-person relationships between Tacoma and its recognized Sister Cities of foreign nations.
Tacoma Tree Foundation’s mission is to educate, empower, and support community members in neighborhood-based greening, and help to create a greener, healthier, and more connected Tacoma area.
T.U.P.A.C. provides the people of Tacoma, particularly Black and BIPOC youth in the historic Hilltop community, with opportunities to achieve artistic excellence through culturally relevant pre-professional dance training, community events, and classes and performance opportunities in the performing arts.
For more than 60 years, the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association has provided inspiring, engaging music education to Tacoma area youth. Through weekly rehearsals, coaching sessions, masterclasses, music theory classes, summer camps, and FREE community events, TYSA teaches valuable life skills, like teamwork and discipline, while students have fun and create lasting friendships.
Tacoma Youth Theatre is dedicated to creating high-quality theatre entirely produced by young artists. The company strives to build community by emphasizing core values of equity, self-esteem, empathy, responsibility, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability.
Tahoma Indian Center provides for the physical, mental, spiritual, and cultural well-being of the Urban Native population through social and cultural activities in Tacoma.
Ted Brown Music Outreach gives musical instruments to students who would not be able to participate in a music program. They offer music therapy programs year-round and three summer programs: Instrument Exploration, Jazz Improv, and Live It OutLoud Rock School. They believe music makes life better and everyone should participate.
The Grand Cinema is an independent movie theater that focuses on films of highest quality that often would not otherwise play in Pierce County. As a community gathering spot, they also work to promote local filmmakers, create youth film camps, produce The Tacoma Film Festival, host visiting filmmakers, and create ongoing social dialogue through film.
The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra (KKWO) is an organization dedicated to providing high-quality performances and music education to communities around the globe. Through the use of concerts, workshops, composing, recording, and cultural exchanges, KKWO brings people together through the broad scope of music and the jazz art form.
The Night Show is an ongoing live event series based in Tacoma, WA. Executed in the style of classic late-night television, The Night Show features interviews, games, and musical performances designed for a multi-cultural, multi-generational audience.
The Puget Sounds
The Puget Sounds are a “sing-a-long” band who plays to encourage others to sing along with them, and they place the words on a screen so everyone can sing and be a part of it all!
Toolbox Laboratories facilitates hands-on learning opportunities for youth and adults, with the purpose of empowering individuals through equitable educational opportunities. They offer monthly community events where attendees can participate in a STEAM themed activity at no cost, removing barriers in accessing their programs. In addition, they offer woodworking and home repair classes.
Vision253 is the nonprofit arm that supports the work of Vision Step Team, serving youth and families through Black American cultural practices and the art of step.
BYTM/WayOut Kids, a local non-profit organization, has developed and implemented programming as a ‘way out’ for minority and low income under-served populations. Their team partners with organizations, school districts, parents, and teachers to educate youth through programs and community events that engage children in important issues that improve their life choices, overall health, and long-term success.
Wizards of Washington is a nonprofit organization focused on spreading the love of fantasy literary works and building an inclusive and magical community in Washington. They host magical events, magical little libraries, STEAM activities, craft classes and more to keep the magic alive.
The World Affairs Council Tacoma (WACT) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to promote public understanding of world affairs, and to enhance the ability of its members to engage in a global community. They feature guest speakers such as international figures, academics, business professionals, and journalists.
Write253 is a literary arts organization whose mission is to provide meaningful and transformative writing and printmaking opportunities that cross boundaries and create community for youth in greater Tacoma.