4Culture, King County’s funding agency for arts and culture, kicks off every year by offering a project grant to support the cultural activities in our region that make life so vibrant and interesting. The grants support projects that have the arts, heritage and preservation as their core focus. If you (or someone you know) live in King County, is at least 18 years old, and working on a project in one of these program areas, then you are eligible to apply.
4Culture is always looking for new applicants. We want to reach as many people working in arts and culture in King County as we can.
And for the first time this year, those who received an arts grant last year cannot reapply. That means this year we’re looking for applicants who have not received funding recently!
Grant writing can be stressful, so 4Culture provides step-by-step guidance throughout the process. Applications are reviewed by a panel of peers working in their field of practice.
So, what are these grants for, exactly?
4Culture Art Projects Grants
Art Projects grants support the work of individual artists and organizations working in all creative disciplines including music, media, dance, theater, literature and visual art.
Local writer Stephanie Guerra received 4Culture Art Projects funds for Stories Unlocked, a publication of poetry and writing by students incarcerated in the King County Juvenile Detention Center. The stories and poems reflect the teen’s life experiences, many who are victims of human trafficking and have suffered from abuse and addiction. Guerra has been teaching writing to incarcerated adults and youth for eleven years.
Sea Mar Community Health Centers received money to support their annual Fiestas Patrias celebration, which spans two days and two locations—South Park and Seattle Center—and highlights Latino dancers, music, and art.
If you are an individual artist, work with a group of artists, or are part of an arts based organization and have a great project idea, you can get the guidelines and apply online through Wednesday, March 9.
4Culture Heritage Projects Grants
Heritage Projects have funded outstanding exhibits, documentaries, publications and curriculum that bring King County history into focus.
Cara Bertron received a Heritage Projects grant for Road Story: People and Place on Rainier Avenue South. Working with youth and partnering with organizations such as Youth in Focus, the Rainier Valley Heritage Society, and Feet First, Bertron plans to document and interpret a two mile section of the bustling Seattle street using photography, archival research, oral histories, and walking expeditions.
The deadline to apply for Heritage Projects is Wednesday, February 24 and guidelines and application are now online.
4Culture Preservation Special Projects Grants
Benson Shaw used a Preservation Special Projects grant to work with BOLA Architects, Seattle Department of Transportation and the Department of Planning and Development to survey, research, and create a preservation plan for Ballard’s historic blue and white street name mosaics. Benson’s latest project update is on the 4Culture blog.
Preservation Special Projects support neighborhood surveys, landmark nominations, and assessments – important documentation necessary to keep historic landmarks beautiful. The monies also supports innovative research projects and community advocacy. The deadline to apply is also Wednesday, February 24 and guidelines and the application are online.
If you have a project idea, but not sure if it is a good fit, contact a 4Culture project grant manager, they’re here to help. Or drop in to a free, informal workshop held at the 4Culture offices and around King County.
Contact Info:
- Preservation Special Projects and Heritage Projects: Brandi Link at brandi.link@4culture.org or 206.263.1593
- Art Projects – Individual Artists: Heather Dwyer, heather.dwyer@4culture.org or 206.263.1597
- Art Projects – Groups: Doreen Mitchum, Doreen.mitchum@4culture.org or 206.263.1605
Workshops at the 4Culture Offices:
| Heritage | Thursdays, January 28 + February 11, 12—1 pm |
| Preservation | Thursday, February 4, 12—1 pm |
| Arts Groups | Wednesdays, February 3, 10, + 17, 12—1 pm |
| Individual Artists | Mondays, February 1, 8, 22, + 29, 12—1 pm Thursday, February 4, 5:30—6:30 pm**After this workshop, visit galleries for First Thursday Art Walk! Free parking is available at select garages. |
Workshops Around King County:
Kent Library
Tuesday, February 2, 12—1 pm
212 2nd Ave N, Kent, WA 98032
Kenmore Library
Tuesday, February 9, 12—1 pm
6531 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA 98028
This post was written and edited by our sponsor.
