[cid:image001.jpg@01D24B1F.54249A40] The Tacoma Arts Commission's 2017-18 Tacoma Artists Initiative Program (TAIP) funding application is now available! See the press release below for more information. The guidelines and application instructions are attached here as a PDF. They are also available online at www.cityoftacoma.org/artsopps<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/artsopps>. Deadline for applications is January 23, 2017 at 11:59 pm. A free application workshop will be held on Thursday, December 15, from 5:30 - 7 pm at the Tacoma Municipal Building North, 728 St. Helens, Room 16. 2017-2018 Funding Applications for Individual Artists Now Being Accepted The City of Tacoma is now accepting Tacoma Artists Initiative Program (TAIP) funding applications from eligible Tacoma artists who wish to create new artwork in any discipline and present that work through a free public component. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on January 23, 2017. "Tacoma's arts and culture contribute significantly to why we choose to live here, and TAIP is a key investment in our creative community," said Tacoma Arts Commission Chair Mike Sweney. "TAIP supports innovative, talented artists by helping them fulfill specific goals, contributing to their artistic growth while engaging communities with free performances, exhibitions and workshops." The Tacoma Arts Commission has allocated $40,000 for TAIP funding, and each selected artist will be awarded $2,500. Funding for TAIP is determined through a competitive application process. A panel comprised of Tacoma Arts Commission members, community members and past TAIP awardees will review applications and make funding recommendations. Those recommendations will go to the Tacoma Arts Commission for approval. All projects selected for TAIP funding must be completed by December 31, 2018. Eligibility extends to artists who are residents of Tacoma, practicing artists who are dedicated to producing artwork on a regular basis, are at least 18 years of age, and not a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in an arts-related degree program. Artists who have received TAIP funding between 2013 and 2016 are not eligible to apply. More details, including information on other eligibility requirements and access to the online application form, are available at cityoftacoma.org/artsopps<http://cityoftacoma.org/artsopps>. Application guidelines are also available by calling (253) 591-5191 or emailing nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org<mailto:nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org>. Applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop which explains and addresses questions about the application and funding process on December 15, 2016, from 5:30-7 PM, in Tacoma Municipal Building North (728 St. Helens, Room 16).