The City of Issaquah seeks proposals for arts and cultural projects and programs to benefit the Issaquah community in 2021.
The Issaquah arts grant program provides support for arts and cultural programs that are accessible to Issaquah residents and visitors throughout the year. The arts grant program supports projects that: cultivate a creative community and a vibrant arts scene; provide an encouraging environment for participants of all ages and abilities; support local arts and cultural organizations and artists; celebrate the community’s cultural diversity.
Due to limited funding, grant requests in the $1,000 to $5,000 range are most appropriate.
Link to online application
Eligibility: any group or individual offering cultural arts programming that has a clear community benefit for Issaquah, WA, in 2021. Please note, only projects that are delivered within Issaquah city limits are eligible for funding. Individuals and groups will be required to obtain a city of Issaquah business license.
Applicants who applied for an arts grant in round one may apply in round two for a different project/program.
Timeline: due to the unusual circumstances created by COVID-19, and the uncertainty around community gathering, the 2021 arts grant program will be administered in two separate application rounds.
Grants in round one were awarded march 1, 2021. This call for applications represents round two.
Application round two:
- Friday, May 7, 2021: application released
- Monday, June 7, 2021: applications due
- Monday, July 19, 2021: funding recommendations to City Council
Selection Criteria:
(1) Public benefit: project includes meaningful efforts to create community participation in arts and culture and reach diverse audiences in Issaquah.
(2) Artistic value: project is well-conceived, compelling, has art as the primary component and promotes meaningful arts participation and involvement.
(3) Feasibility and managerial capacity: the applicant has demonstrated ability to produce the program and capacity to manage grant funds. The project has a clear and realistic budget. There is evidence of community involvement and support of the project. In addition, plans are feasible given the current restrictions created by COVID-19 and adhere to the “Healthy Washington Road Map to Recovery” guidelines.
(4) Diversity of funding sources and leverage of grant funds: the project has additional support from grants, donors, and/or volunteers and in-kind donations.
Questions? Ideas? Need help?
We are here to help with your application and happy to talk through your proposal, especially in these unusual times. Contact Arts Program Administrator Amy Dukes at amyd@issaquahwa.gov