Tacoma has taken the definition of art to a whole new level over the years. This kind of creativity has given the city vibrancy and energy and it only continues to gain momentum. Now, thanks to new local television programming, Tacoma's artistic gifts are celebrated in a special way.

The city of Tacoma's Media and Communications Office, in partnership with the Community and Economic Development and Department's Arts Program, launches the innovative cultural documentary-style television series, artTown. The television initiative explores Tacoma's creative and artistic growth and how it has emerged as a major creative hub in the region. This quarterly series makes its debut Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at 8 p.m. on the award-winning municipal government television channel, TV Tacoma.

The show's segments offer a rich and diverse look at a wide variety of creative endeavors. For Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride, the show is a labor of love and a way to pay homage to the city and its people.

"There's so much talent in this city. The series is another medium to share that talent and to tell more stories because there are a lot of them," says McBride. "Being able to tell the many stories of Tacoma helps people shine and get the recognition they deserve.

"Because the program is one hour long, we can really sink into more topics. We are challenging ourselves to produce an innovative show that isn't a just program with ‘talking heads.' We are out on the street getting directly connected with people and their work."

Here's a sneak peek at the first episode:  Featured  music is composed by local artist Isaac Solverson; J.D. Elquist and Travis Pranger at vintage menswear boutique Feather and Oar; Pacific Avenue Streetscape artists Elizabeth Conner and Daniel Martin; renown graphic designer Art Chantry and letterpress artist Lance Kagey of Beautiful Angle; Metro Parks historian Melissa McGinnis; Tacoma School of the Arts instructors Robin Jaecklein and Kareem Kandi; Arts EnviroChallenger teaching artist Meredith Essex; and others.

If you can't catch the inaugural episode Oct. 11, don't worry. The short and long-form segments in artTown will air on TV Tacoma Mondays at noon, Tuesdays at 1 a.m., Wednesdays at 8 a.m., Thursdays at 6 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 5 a.m. It will also be available through Click! ON Demand's TV Tacoma and TacomaArt & Culture menu listings and on the city of Tacoma's website and social media channels.

TV Tacoma is aired on both the Click! and Comcast cable systems. Click! subscribers can view TV Tacoma on Channel 12 (Channel 21 in University Place). Comcast subscribers can view TV Tacoma on Channel 12 if they are within the city limits and Channel 21 in Pierce County (except University Place). The programming is also accessible from anywhere on the internet at tvtacoma.com.

TV Tacoma air times

• Mondays at noon
• Tuesdays at 1 a.m.
• Wednesdays at 8 a.m.
• Thursdays at 6 p.m.
• Fridays at 8 p.m.
• Saturdays at 6 p.m.
• Sundays at 5 a.m.