From Office of Arts and Culture

Grassroots event organizers have an opportunity to apply for $1,200 grants to support 2014 festivals and community cultural projects happening in neighborhoods across Seattle through the Neighborhood & Community Arts funding program. The program, managed by the Office of Arts & Culture, supports the city’s community-led creativity, recognizing that neighborhoods are the heartbeat of our city. Applications are open Aug. 19 through Oct. 23. In 2013, the program funded 40 groups to support annual public festivals and events including the Columbia City ArtWalk, Day of the Dead Festival, Festival Sundiata Black Arts Fest, Filipino American History Month, Georgetown Carnival, and more.

The funding program helps Seattle’s neighborhood art councils and community-based groups produce annual festivals and events that enhance the visibility of neighborhoods, promote cultural participation, celebrate diversity and build community through arts and culture. A 2010 National Endowment for the Arts study showed that the accessibility and community strengthening aspect of these types of events make them particularly valuable.

Neighborhood arts councils and community-based groups may seek support for a recurring festival or event that has been in existence for at least one year, has a significant arts and cultural component, is open to the public and takes place in Seattle. Applicants are not required to have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status. Funded organizations each receive $1,200 to support direct project expenses, including artist fees, marketing and promotional fees, venue and equipment rentals or other production-related expenses. Funds may not be used for fundraising or organizational administrative expenses. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 11 p.m. The guidelines and application are available on Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs website http://www.seattle.gov/arts/funding/neighborhood_community.asp

Editor's Note: Ballard has a few festivals that seem to fit the bill. The Syttende Mai Parade, SeafoodFest and Viking Days are all events that are culturally unique to our neighborhood and help promote us to people throughout the rest of the city.

Information Session

Applicants are invited to pick up some pointers on putting together a successful application at an information session, 5:30 to 7 pm., Thursday, Sept. 12 at the 2100 Building, 2100 24th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144. Space is limited; RSVP to Jenny Crooks at jenny.crooks@seattle.gov or (206) 684-7084 by Tuesday, September 10.

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