The City of Issaquah seeks proposals for the 2024 Issaquah Arts Grant Program.
Issaquah Arts Grants support projects and programs that benefit Issaquah residents and visitors by cultivating a creative and vibrant arts community; providing meaningful arts engagement opportunities for all ages and abilities; supporting local arts and cultural organizations and artists; and celebrating the community’s cultural diversity.
The Issaquah Arts Grant Program will accept applications in multiple funding categories for 2024. Applicants may submit only one application in one category.
General support for Issaquah-based nonprofit arts organizations that have arts and culture as the singular focus of their mission. These grants acknowledge the benefits of thriving arts organizations as part of a healthy, vibrant community and support their sustainability through operating support. Arts Partnership requests may be up to 10% of an organization’s annual operating budget, but no greater than $35,000.
Project support to organizations, informal groups or individual artists to deliver an arts or cultural project or event to benefit Issaquah residents and visitors. Due to limited funding in 2024, arts project grant requests should not exceed $5,000.
Not currently accepting applications. Application will be released in Spring 2024, to fund projects for the 2024-25 school year.
Any nonprofit arts organization, based in Issaquah, WA that has arts and culture as the singular focus of its mission. Organizations awarded funding will be required to show proof of an active City of Issaquah business license and be in good standing with the Washington Secretary of State.
Any group or individual offering cultural arts programming that has a clear community benefit for Issaquah, WA, in 2024. Applicants do not need to have an arts-based mission. Please note, only projects that are delivered within Issaquah city limits are eligible for funding. Individuals and groups awarded funding will be required to obtain a City of Issaquah business license.
(1) Public Benefit: Project/program includes meaningful efforts to create community participation in arts and culture and reach diverse audiences in Issaquah.
(2) Artistic Value: Project/program is well-conceived, compelling, has art as the primary component and promotes meaningful arts engagement.
(3) Feasibility and Managerial Capacity: The applicant has demonstrated ability to produce the project/program and capacity to manage grant funds (may be based on past management of Issaquah arts grants or other city contracts). The project/program has a clear and realistic budget. There is evidence of community involvement and support.
Projects, subjects and works that reflect Issaquah's richly diverse cultural communities are highly encouraged to apply.
Additionally, the Arts Grant Program encourages creative efforts to provide virtual and digital experiences as a part of artistic projects. Documentary materials such as audio and video interviews with artists and performers, time lapse photography of an installation, music recordings, context on the creation of the work, and efforts towards recording, streaming and distributing live performances allows the City of Issaquah to provide greater access to local arts. Through these means we can include more people regardless of location or the time in which they choose to participate, and for years to come.
Timeline for Arts Partnerships and Arts Projects Applications:
We are here to help with your application and happy to talk through your proposal. Contact Arts Program Administrator Amy Dukes at amyd@issaquahwa.gov.
Please include your mission statement in 350 words or less.
Please describe who will be served – include age groups, race & ethnicity, income levels, etc.
Please select one category.
Estimated number of Issaquah residents and/or visitors.
For Arts Partnership applicants, please give a general overview of the organization. For Arts Project applicants, please give an overview of the project and its primary goals. Please limit your response to 350 words.
Describe the organization's / project's benefit to the Issaquah community. Describe the intended audience(s) and estimate the number of people who will participate or attend. What is the cost of participation? What efforts are made to ensure accessibility to and engagement of a broad audience? Please limit your response to 350 words.
Describe the merits and artistic/cultural value of your organization or project. Describe the artistic accomplishments and professionalism of the primary artists, lead individuals, teachers, and/or the organization. Please limit your response to 350 words.
Describe any relevant experience that you wish the Arts Commission to consider when assessing the likely sustainability of the organization or success of the arts project. What best practices are employed to ensure project or organizational success? Please limit your response to 350 words.
For Arts Partnership Applicants, please describe your organization's earned and contributed revenue streams. Please discuss any significant funding challenges or successes. For Arts Project Applicants, please describe the project's funding sources. What will happen to the project if it receives less funding than requested? If the project produces revenue in excess of expenses, what will happen to the profits?
Detail how the organization or project will be evaluated. What criteria will be used to measure impact, engagement and or success? Who will perform the evaluation? Please limit your response to 350 words.
Describe the qualifications and experience of key project leads/ staff.
Please download a budget form (either a PDF or Excel version below) and upload the completed document. For Arts Partnership Applicants, please complete the form with your organization’s proposed 2024 budget. For Arts Project Applicants, please complete the form with the budget for your proposed art project only.
Upload your completed 2024 Arts Grant Budget Form.
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