During the economic depression of the 1930s, U.S. government art projects created a wealth of public art and supported artists across the country, as explored in the exhibition Forgotten Stories: Northwest Public Art of the 1930s. 

In our current global economic crisis, brought on by COVID-19, artists have once again been called upon to create government-sponsored public art, this time on the boarded-up businesses around Tacoma.

Spaceworks Tacoma has been helping connect artists to places with their Rapid Mural Response Program. These temporary murals, painted directly onto installed plywood panels, serve to 1) reduce crime and graffiti, 2) support local businesses, 3) provide income for local artists, and 4) offer civic hope and positive messaging.

Join us for a discussion with some of the artists and organizers who have been brightening up Tacoma during the pandemic. We will take a look at the work they have made and check in with their art-making practices during the shelter in place orders.

The event is free and registration is required.