Arts & Culture Coalition of Pierce County: 2025 Network Funding Spotlight

Filed Under: Uncategorized - Posted @ 5:50pm

Guiding Focus of Network 

The Arts & Culture Coalition of Pierce County consists of over 2 dozen arts, culture, science and heritage organizations located in the City of Tacoma and throughout Pierce County. The Coalition is a membership organization for directors and leadership from cultural arts organizations and stakeholders who support their work. By operating as a collective, the Coalition aims to enhance awareness of and increase funding and support for cultural organizations and experiences in the South Sound. 

How Network Was Formed 

The coalition was formed in 2009. It started as an informal gathering of leaders from nonprofit cultural arts organizations who came together over a glass of wine to share ideas on how to address the continued impact of the 2008 financial crisis on fundraising and participation. These informal meetings transformed into coordinated, regular gatherings to address sector issues as they arose (legislation, taxes, etc.).

After addressing a proposed ticket sales tax, the group decided to become even more formal in their efforts. They appointed a chair and officers, set regular meeting times and looked for funding to support their collaborative efforts. With funding they were able to hire a consultant to manage and run meetings. The Coalition started gathering dues to further support this work as they moved into supporting and planning for Cultural Access funding implementation in our community. 

Shared Successes That Have Emerged From This Network 

Supporting one another as leadership in the field has always been and continues to be a hallmark success of the Coalition. It’s a testament to the power of these connections that the Coalition has been able to maintain strong participation for 17 years, including during a pandemic that closed institutions and kept people at home.  

Additionally, the group has coordinated public relations efforts, messaging campaigns, and advocacy outreach. The most visible success of the Coalition was spearheading the campaign for the first Cultural Access legislation to be passed and enacted in the State of Washington.  This legislation, which became Tacoma Creates, was approved by Tacoma voters in November 2018 – with 67.2% support and passing in every reporting precinct.  

Per State legislation, the tax must be renewed every 7 years. In October 2025, the Tacoma City Council unanimously approved renewal of Tacoma Creates for another 7 years. 

1-2 Big Goals Your Network is Hoping to Achieve in 2026 

• Continue to grow membership and engagement.  

• Support and grow advocacy efforts, locally, regionally, and with State elected officials. 

• Support Cultural Access legislation conversations throughout Pierce County. 

Advice For Others Looking to Leverage Networks to Help Build a Thriving Community

Challenges to Anticipate 

• Changes in federal and state funding focus areas and allocations.  

• Continued increases in operating costs.  

• Maintaining levels of support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. 

Tips for Navigating Challenges 

• Coordinated and collective advocacy efforts.  

• Shared resources and assets (legal or HR services, staff expertise or space, etc.). 

• Compelling case for support.  

• Continued and regular outreach. 

How to Build Shared Goals 

• Get in a room together with those doing similar work in your sector and beyond. You can do something prescribed, like a SWAT analysis, or just brainstorm your priorities, areas of interests, or common needs.  
• If you can’t hire staff to coordinate your collective efforts, keep top of mind that this work will be no one person’s focus (even while it pertains to everyone). While running your organization will be your main priority, don’t give up on the collective effort.  
• Even small steps to coordinate your work can make an impact. The more steps over time, the greater impact your collective will make.