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Quarter 3 Update: Energize Tacoma's Growing Impact
As we close out the third quarter of 2024, Energize Tacoma continues to push forward on multiple fronts, with projects that highlight our commitment to enhancing Tacoma’s cultural, artistic, and urban spaces. During our recent steering committee meeting, we reviewed several exciting initiatives that are shaping Tacoma’s future. Below is an update on our progress and the work that lies ahead.
Website Launch
We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of our new website, www.energizetacoma.org. The website will serve as the main hub for all our projects, providing updates on events, programs, and opportunities for community engagement. In 2025, we will introduce a digital art gallery where local artists can showcase their work for free, continuing our commitment to supporting Tacoma’s creative community.
Canvas Art Collective
The Canvas Art Collective is growing rapidly, with artists already selling their works through the initiative. This collective offers artists a platform to reach new audiences and generate income, making it a key part of our strategy to foster Tacoma’s arts community. We are excited about the continued growth of this program and look forward to supporting even more local talent.
Mural Collaboration
Energize Tacoma is collaborating with a downtown property owner to assist with a mural project on their building, working closely with a local artist experienced in large-scale murals. This initiative aligns with our mission to beautify Tacoma’s public spaces through art, bringing creativity and vibrancy to the urban landscape.
Black Contemporaries Exhibit
Phase 2 of the Black Contemporaries Exhibit is now open for artist submissions. In collaboration with the Tacoma Urban League, this exhibit highlights the contributions of Black artists to contemporary art. We look forward to expanding this initiative with more in-person programming and workshops in 2025, offering more opportunities for community engagement and artistic expression.
Pacific Avenue Revitalization (Picture Pac Ave)
As part of the Picture Pac Ave project, Energize Tacoma is actively providing research and insights to the city’s urban planners. We are advocating for zoning that attracts students and encourages collaboration with local colleges—an essential aspect of our multidisciplinary approach. Additionally, we are offering recommendations on how to grow housing and jobs along the Pacific Avenue corridor, while also focusing on improving walkability, transportation, and public art. This project is critical to the future development of Pacific Avenue as a thriving urban corridor.
Daily Population Tracker
Our daily population tracker, which monitors trends throughout the city of Tacoma, helps us stay informed about demographic changes and shifts. This tool is crucial for ensuring that our projects are aligned with Tacoma’s growth and needs, allowing us to make data-driven decisions in our planning efforts.
Re-Connecting with Tacoma Art Museum (TAM)
We are in discussions with the Tacoma Art Museum to explore potential collaborative projects. Through this partnership, we hope to bring more art initiatives and educational programs to the community, helping to deepen Tacoma’s connection with the arts on both local and global levels.
Washington State History Museum & Pugnetti Park
Energize Tacoma has had discussions with the Washington State History Museum on how we can potentially help revitalize Pugnetti Park. We strongly support efforts to clean up the park and are eager to assist in programming activities for the space. Our goal is to ensure that Pugnetti Park becomes a more vibrant and inviting area for Tacoma’s residents.
Skate Park Proposal Under I-705 Bridge
The proposed skate park under the I-705 bridge is one of three projects the city is considering for funding. A local vote will determine which project moves forward, with those who live or work near the project area eligible to vote. Energize Tacoma fully supports the idea of a skate park, as it will activate an underused space in the rapidly developing Dome District. In addition to skateboarding, we see potential for youth programs, skateboarding events, and other community activities that can further engage the area.
Wapato Park & Porchfest Conversations
We have been in talks with the organizers of Porchfest about the possibility of expanding this popular music event into other areas, including Wapato Park. While we are still weighing the next steps, we have also been exploring ways to bring more events to parts of Tacoma that don’t typically host such activities. Wapato Park is an ideal location for community events, and we are reaching out to local stakeholders to explore how to best program this space. This is an ongoing process, and we are working to find the right mix of community partners and ideas to bring more vibrancy to this area of the city.
As we move into the final quarter of the year, Energize Tacoma is dedicated to making Tacoma a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative city. Whether through urban development, public art, or community programming, our projects reflect our commitment to fostering growth and collaboration across the city. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together in the coming months.
Herschel Wilson
Founder, Energize Tacoma
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