The arts are essential to Tacoma – elivening its downtown core, contributing to the livability of its neighborhoods, and enhancing the quality of life of its residents and visitors.
The Tacoma Arts Commission and its staff play a vital role in supporting Tacoma’s arts and cultural programs. They encourage the development of the local arts community through the administration of arts and cultural funding programs, managing the City’s public art collection, and producing a variety of public programs that enhance and contribute to Tacoma’s local economy.
During his time at Shunpike, principal Andy Fife helped to create a lead several program initiatives with the City of Tacoma, including Arts Leadership Lab – Tacoma (emerging leader convening), Spaceworks (vacant retail activation), and the Tacoma Arts Cohort (technical assistance series for emerging arts groups).