ArtCity’s inaugural program, launched in 2024, exemplifies our commitment to fostering global artistic connections. ArtCity’s founding member, Anida Yoeu Ali organized an art delegation, sending five BIPOC artists from Tacoma to Yogyakarta (Jogja) and Jakarta, Indonesia. This cultural exchange culminated in a presentation at the Tacoma Art Museum, featuring a video documentary of the trip, key insights gained, and a panel discussion with the participating artists. Our vision of establishing Tacoma as a cultural destination with global recognition drives us to dream big and work tirelessly towards our goals.

 

This 2024 cultural exchange fostered mutual growth for both the Tacoma delegation and the Indonesian art community, introducing fresh perspectives on art and community engagement. The project's impact extended beyond borders, culminating in a documentary screening and panel discussion at the Tacoma Art Museum. The event garnered enthusiastic reception from a diverse audience of local artists and art enthusiasts, highlighting the program's success in bridging cultural gaps and inspiring creative dialogue between Tacoma and Indonesia's vibrant art scenes.

 

This trip inspired Anida Yoeu Ali to conceive the Tacoma Mapping Project in an effort to unify and celebrate the vibrant art history of the Tacoma arts scene. Ali was fortunate that Jesi Vega was just as inspired and motivated to contribute her expertise as a researcher and writer to the mapping project. Ali's dream is to continue these trips for future travels to other art city destinations!