The Tacoma hip-hop community is uncommon in that it is most often  represented on a citywide scale not by its local rap music, but by its local graffiti and B-boy communities. These two communities along with Fab-5, the educational and community arts program that helps organize them, had a very productive 2010 and are gearing up for a busy 2011.

"As far as the urban arts scene in Tacoma, everything is thriving," says Eddie Sumlin, director of Fab-5.

One positive this year was a shift in the community's perception of local graffiti, beginning with the reopening of the Graffiti Garages (which actually occurred in late 2009).

"Throughout the year new pieces have been blasted all over the garages and one permanent piece with the front façade mural (has been added)," explains Fab-5 instructor and local organizer Katie Lowery. "The hope for 2011 is for that to continue to grow and for individuals to continue to feel welcome at that spot," she says.

Lowery points to Tacoma's new Community Based Mural Program, which has been made possible by the City of Tacoma's Safe and Clean initiative, as a major reason for Tacoma's new appreciation of urban art. "This program has been a catalyst for graffiti artists to work with communities to beautify the city," explains Lowery. "One of the major accomplishments of 2010 was the installation of the Rialto Mural, which will be a cornerstone for future murals throughout Tacoma and an icon to the city."

Lowery says the graffiti projects that gained momentum in 2010 will continue to expand in 2011.

"The hope is that the Community Based Mural Program will continue to grow and continue to give more graffiti artists opportunities to showcase their work," Lowery explains. "It also is an opportunity to continue to educate the community on this particular art form, which continues to be looked down upon by some community members."

The local B-boy community, misunderstood by many, also focused on reaching out to the community in 2010. The Dance Broomz, Tacoma's premier B-boy crew, took a break from the live performance circuit to focus on cultivating the next generation of local dancers. Many of Tacoma's most talented B-boys are instructors for Fab-5's L.I.F.E. Program, which teaches elements of hip-hop art, including dance, to local youth. "We have a strong cohort of dance students from Lincoln, Mt. Tahoma and Tacoma School of the Arts," says Sumlin. "We host an open practice session every Friday evening where they all come together to work on technique, style, etc."

Sumlin emphasizes that Fab-5's focus is on the next generation of artists. "The future for us really lies with them," he says. "We are trying to build more platforms and create space for them to develop as individuals and as dancers."

In November, the Tacoma Arts Commission awarded Fab-5 the 2010 AMOCAT award for "Outreach by a Community Organization," in recognition of the organizations distinctive contributions to the arts. Fab-5 was honored for their 10-year history of partnering with the Tacoma community and providing an outlet for students to learn and create.

Sumlin says Fab-5 will continue to expand, and will be increasing its emphasis on education.

"For 2011, though, expect more public art and us getting engaged deeper on an educational level," says Sumlin.