Tacoma Arts Live And Accelerating Creative Enterprise Present Ace Showace
Wisconsin Eagle/10340965

TACOMA, Wash. - WisconsinEagle -- Tacoma Arts Live and Accelerating Creative Enterprise (ACE) invite the community to ACE ShowcACE, a free afternoon festival celebrating the artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders of Tacoma's creative economy. The event takes place Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the historic Tacoma Armory, 1001 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405.

A free event for all ages, ShowcACE marks the culmination of the ACE program, spotlighting the creative talent of the many artists, musicians, dancers, fashion designers, makers, and entrepreneurs who have been part of the ACE community. The event features live performances, hands-on workshops, artist vendors, and food trucks — a vibrant cross-section of the local creative economy, all in one afternoon. Admission is free.

Join your master of ceremonies, Ms. Pierce County and ACE participant, Paris Broadnax for dance performances, including hip hop by Fearless Dance, Afro-Brazilian Capoeira, Vision Step Team and Barefoot Collective. Enjoy spoken word by Tacoma's Poet Laureate, Mari G, and a one-of-kind performance by the beloved theater pop-up, One Table. Hear live music, including R&B, rock and hip hop from artists like Hard Softee, Electric Diva Studios, Wasabi Samba and Above the Record.

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Take part in free workshops in art, dance and more, with Swan Creek Art Academy, Barefoot Collective, Angie Jones and Stephanie Campuzano.

Discover your next treasure from makers, artists and photographers, Yoshi Nakagawa, Sage & Soul Photography, No, Mine! Studios, Das Biest, Kinara Park Kids and Dae2Dae, plus check out small businesses like Cute Story Events, Symphonic Alignment, Quarter Trey, Pearl Art Therapy, Ataruka Coaching, and the Weekly Volcano.

Enjoy Afro-Caribbean bites from Trini Plate, Jan Parker Cookery's celebrated Filipino fusion dishes and gourmet snacks from the Popcorn Concierge.

Since its founding, ACE has incubated more than 140 grassroots BIPOC and women creative entrepreneurs, activating the historic Tacoma Armory as a hub for arts, culture, and community. Programming has spanned weekly music and dance classes for children, adults, and seniors to milestone cultural events including the Black Night Market, Poetry After Dark, Southeast Asian Comedy New Year, the indoor Tacoma Sunday Market, cabaret shows, recitals, art shows, fashion events, and concerts.

"For three and a half years, ACE has been a critical element of transforming the Armory into a hub for arts, culture, and community," said Antonio Gómez, Chief Engagement Officer and ACE Founder. "ShowcACE is a culmination of the ACE program as it has existed over the past few years — which spotlights the creative genius of the many artists, musicians, dancers, fashion designers, makers, and other entrepreneurs in the program."

Gómez added: "While the end of our current funding means the ACE program must change, it is exciting to see how it has underscored the importance and necessity of community-rooted, participatory arts in our area, as well as the vitality of our creative economy. The spirit of the program continues in the widespread commitment to celebrating local creativity — as well as in steps that Tacoma Arts Live is taking with other organizations like Spaceworks to ensure continued support for making and hosting hyperlocal arts."

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Tacoma Arts Live is currently operating under receivership as it works through a financial restructuring process. Shelly Crocker, the appointed receiver, is actively developing plans to sustain the Armory's role as a community anchor — including continuing its education programs and popular events, and maintaining accessible pricing for local nonprofits and arts organizations.

"While the future of the Armory is still not settled, we are open," said Crocker. "We are working on a plan that will nourish the role of the Armory as a community arts, education, and creative economy hub sitting on the border between the Hilltop and Downtown Tacoma for years to come. Stay tuned!"

ACE ShowcACE is free and open to all. For more information, visit TacomaArtsLive.org.

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About Accelerating Creative Enterprise (ACE)
Accelerating Creative Enterprise (ACE) is a program of Tacoma Arts Live that incubates and supports emerging BIPOC and women entrepreneurs in the creative and cultural economies. Through free and low-cost workspace, professional development, peer networking, and an Events Learning Lab at the historic Tacoma Armory, ACE has provided Tacoma's creative community with the tools and space to grow.

About Tacoma Arts Live Tacoma Arts Live is a nonprofit arts organization that has served the Tacoma community for over 47 years, presenting performing arts and community programming at the historic Tacoma Armory. The organization is currently under receivership and continuing operations as it charts a path forward.