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2nd Quarter Highlights
We are thrilled to announce that Energize Tacoma is officially online! Visit us at https://www.energizetacoma.org. This website launch marks a significant milestone for us, with planning and development beginning at the end of 2023. The site will serve as a hub for all our initiatives, updates, and community engagement efforts.
Canvas Art Collective Initiative
After months of planning in Q1 of 2024, we launched the Canvas Art Collective at the end of Q2. This initiative allows local artists to showcase their work in a highly visited art studio. The project provides exposure to artists, who are only charged a wall fee of 10% of the sale price per item sold. This fee supports Energize Tacoma in expanding, maintaining, and promoting the exhibit. We recently closed the application period and will soon select the artists and artworks for the project.
Partnership with Tacoma Urban League: Black Contemporaries Project
We are excited to announce our partnership with Tacoma Urban League for the Black Contemporaries project. This initiative will highlight black artists in our area, with their work featured on our website. While the artworks will not be available for sale directly through Energize Tacoma, we will provide links to each artist's website where visitors can purchase art directly. This project aims to celebrate and uplift black voices and artistry within our community.
Introducing the Steering Committee
Energize Tacoma has established its Steering Committee, comprising diverse professionals dedicated to our mission:
- Herschel Wilson, Founder of Energize Tacoma and entrepreneur with a bachelor's degree in business
- April Stapp- A college professor
- Skylar McVaugh- A science middle school teacher
- Derek Nunn- A filmmaker and entrepreneur
- Noelle Wilson- A college advisor and artist entrepreneur
These individuals will guide us in adhering to our pillars: Culture, Art, and Science, ensuring our initiatives remain impactful and relevant.
Upcoming Collaborations and Events
We are in discussions with a prominent festival organizer about expanding their festival to the 98408 zip code area. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting collaboration.
Mural Project in Downtown Tacoma
We are working with an office owner in downtown Tacoma to create a mural on the side of their building. This could be part of a larger project involving another property owner and developer, with Energize Tacoma playing a key role in project development. We are excited about the possibilities this project brings to Tacoma, showcasing our commitment to energizing the city through art and community engagement.
Tech Pioneers Program
Our Tech Pioneers program will see significant development in Q3. We have partnered with the Raspberry Pi organization to join their Code Club, which teaches coding to students aged 9-13, sparking their interest in technology. We are also developing additional technology-based curriculum for this program.
Cultural Initiatives
Starting in Q4, we will focus on cultural discussions, encouraging pride and appreciation for Tacoma. In collaboration with the Tacoma Urban League, the Sankofa Project will highlight historical black figures from Tacoma and feature unique collaborative events.
Previous Initiatives: Sankofa Center and Representation Matters
In December 2023, we launched the Sankofa Center on Facebook, sharing lesser-known historical stories about important black American figures. Additionally, our Representation Matters initiative kicked off with a Kwanzaa project, educating the community about this important celebration due to a lack of representation in the city. This initiative will continue and our hope is for it to grow into in person events.
Looking Ahead
We are developing another digital program for Q4, which promises to engage and educate our community further. Additionally, we will soon have a link on our website that will allow you to donate to our organization. While we are currently not a 501(c)(3) organization, we are actively working towards that designation. Stay tuned for more updates.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to energize Tacoma through culture, art, and science.
Warm regards,
Herschel Wilson
Founder, Energize Tacoma
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