The Seattle Parks and Recreation people are seeking proposals from individuals, groups, or organizations to provide "culturally relevant, safe, and reliable programs to the community" through a program called Summer Art in the Park.

Designed to offer elements of academic alignment to help reduce summer learning loss, the program will also build self esteem, promote cross-cultural experiences, build ongoing participation, welcome drop-in participants, and support the Mayor’s Youth and Families Initiative. Parks has a maximum allocation of $8,400 for each of five parks for the season.

The program takes place at these locations: Othello Playground, Powell Barnett Playground, Little Brook Park, Judkins Playfield, and Maplewood Playfield. None are in West Seattle.

Its purpose is to provide fun, innovative, curriculum based visual and performing arts.

The proposal deadline is Friday, May 6, 2011.

A free Request for Proposals (RFP) Workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 5, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave, S in Seattle. Potential proposers can ask questions and find out more about the process for submitting a proposal in response to the RFP.

For more information, please call Daisy Catague at 206-615-0303. The RFP and associated materials are available online at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/partnerships/rfp.htm.