Submitted by Real Art Tacoma
On Friday, July 17, more than 35 community members gathered in an empty storefront on South Tacoma Way to discuss the future of Tacoma’s local music scene. In attendance at the meeting were Brian Skiffington, Phil Peterson, Josh Brumley, Tom Long and Alexander Schelhammer, the inventive team behind Real Art Tacoma, a 501(c)(3) designated all ages music venue and creative space set to open later this fall.
Community members were notified about the event via Real Art Tacoma’s Facebook page and were invited to share ideas for the future music venue designed to provide young people a place to exist, express themselves, and find and build community. Creative-minded individuals from all facets of the community shared their ideas for the new space during the roundtable-style meeting.
Tom Long, local clothing company owner and Real Art Tacoma leaseholder, says it’s exciting to see the community rally around something like this. “Community involvement is something we are really focused on,” says Long. “Having the community be involved in the fundraising effort as well as having their say in community meetings ensures that we are successful in being there not just for ourselves.”
After everyone in attendance had an opportunity to share their vision and ideas for the space, the meeting wrapped-up with a tour and a call to action to spread the word about the nonprofit’s Kickstarter campaign.
With less than two weeks left on its Kickstarter campaign, Real Art Tacoma is over halfway to its goal of $15,000, but the new venue needs the community’s support to hit its mark. “The money we raise will ensure the space will be state of the art in terms of sound, giving [concert-goers] an overall experience that will keep them coming back,” says Long.
Community members interested in supporting this new, all ages music venue are encouraged to donate to Real Art Tacoma’s Kickstarter. Pledges can be made at the $25, $50, $100, $250,
$500 and $1,000 or more level, and each pledge comes with a limited edition Real Art t-shirt.
Pledges made at the $50 level and higher include other perks like free admission to Real Art Tacoma events.
Longtime Tacoma show promoter and Real Art Tacoma leaseholder Brian Skiffington says, “Real Art will impact Tacoma by providing a safe, drug and alcohol free space for young people to express themselves and build community. We want as many people as possible to walk through our doors, whether that be performing on stage, volunteering at our state of the art venue or experiencing live music and the free exchange of ideas.”
For more information about Real Art Tacoma or to make a pledge, visit Real Art Tacoma’s Kickstarter page where you can also watch an informational video hosted by Real Art Tacoma leaseholder Josh Brumley. To stay up to date on Real Art Tacoma’s most recent news and information, follow Real Art Tacoma on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For more information, visit realarttacoma.com.
