YOU HEARD IT HERE 22ND >>>

As has been appropriately noted elsewhere in the blogosphere, usually by the reposting of the official press release (which we'll do below), the Tacoma Arts Commission announced the funding of 18 local artists for 2011-2012 today. The list of fundees is full of familiar names, including Jeremy Gregory, Chris Sharp, Lisa Kinoshita and Jason Ganwich (among others). This is definitely a prestigious honor for all artists involved. As you'll recall, for the 2009-2010 cycle the Tacoma Arts Commission laid down big cash for RR Anderson's Tacomic book. Money well spent.

See the press release below ...

Eighteen artists funded by Tacoma Arts Commission

In 2011-2012, the Tacoma Arts Commission awarded $45,000 in Tacoma Artists Initiative Program funding to 18 individual Tacoma artists. The awards range in value from $1,000 to $4500 and span artists working in the fields of visual arts, literary arts, film and music.

"It is such an honor for the Tacoma Arts Commission to be able to support the work of our local Tacoma artists," said Sarah Idstrom, Chair of the Tacoma Arts Commission. "Funding their creativity enriches our community and continues to be an inspiration for us all."

Funded artists are Saul Becker, Jason Ganwich, Kristin Giordano, Beth Graham, Jeremy Gregory, Mark Hoppmann, Lance Kagey, Kareem Kandi, Lisa Kinoshita, Ronald Lagman, Anne Lyman, Yuki Nakamura, Duncan Price, Chris Sharp, James Sinding, Jason Skipper, Jessica Spring and Sharon Styer.

Their proposed new artwork includes the composition and performance of music, the production and screening of films, the creation and public exhibit of two- and three-dimensional visual art, the compilation of a visual novella, and the editing and public reading of a collection of short stories.

The Tacoma Artists Initiative Program was established in 1999 to assist artists with the generation of new work and in sharing their talent with the public in a free and accessible format.  The Tacoma Arts Commission received 26 applications this year requesting $101,801 in funding.

The Tacoma Artists Initiative Program is one of three funding programs administered by the Tacoma Arts Commission. For a complete listing of funding programs, publicly accessible funded projects, and information about the Tacoma Arts Commission, visit www.tacomaculture.org.