Establishment
The Tacoma Creates Advisory Board was created to act in an advisory capacity to the Tacoma Creates administration on funding programs to support public benefit in arts, culture, heritage, and science programs throughout Tacoma.
Learn more about Tacoma Creates.
Membership
The Tacoma Creates Advisory Board consists of 12 members appointed by City Council. All members will be residents of Tacoma. All members will have interest in and familiarity with public programming in arts, culture, heritage, and/or science. The Advisory Board will consist of the following volunteer members: Five community members representing each of the Council Districts; four individuals with professional experience related to arts, culture, heritage, or science; one individual with professional experience in Pre-K-12 public education in Tacoma, one individual with expertise in community engagement/community development; and one representative from the Mayor’s Youth Commission.
Current Members
| Wind Woods |
Council District 1 |
August 31, 2028 |
| Nicole Kendrick |
Council District 2 |
August 31, 2027 |
| Daniel Arias-Gomez |
Council District 3 |
August 31, 2027 |
| Sheree Cooks |
Council District 4 |
August 31, 2026 |
| Megan Clark |
Council District 5 |
August 31, 2025 |
| Brian Robinson |
Arts |
August 31, 2026 |
| Katie Mattran |
Culture |
August 31, 2025 |
| Allison Campbell |
Heritage |
August 31, 2026 |
| Mandy Zylstra |
Science |
August 31, 2026 |
| Holly Smith |
Public Education |
August 31, 2027 |
| Faith Brown |
Community Engagement |
August 31, 2025 |
| Rowen Higley |
Youth |
August 31, 2025 |
Duties and Responsibilities
The Board advises the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division on program outcomes and stewardship of funds. Its purpose is to guide program development and approve funding recommendations for the benefit of all residents of Tacoma. The primary responsibility of the Advisory Board is to ensure compliance to Tacoma Creates guidelines and accountability standards.
Tacoma Creates Advisory Board Application
Board members are appointed by City Council, following an application and interview process. To apply for the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, please visit the
Committees, Boards, and Commissions page.
The Advisory Board, as a whole, will reflect the diversity of the City; board appointments will take into account racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender, age, and other aspects of personal and professional identity.
Advisory Board Conflict of Interest Explanation
Individuals who have any financial interest in a cultural organization seeking Tacoma Creates funding may not serve on the Advisory Board. This includes anyone receiving payment as staff, contractor, or any other capacity. Individuals who are affiliated with a cultural organization as a volunteer, but who receive no financial compensation, may apply to serve on the Advisory Board. These individuals will be required to
recuse themselves from any vote that impacts an organization with which they are affiliated.
Staff Support
Staffing support to the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board is provided by the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division.