The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs is accepting project applications for our Youth Arts program. The program supports arts training opportunities for Seattle’s middle and high school youth outside of school hours in a variety of artistic disciplines, including visual and literary arts, theater, music, dance and film.

Individual teaching artists, artist teams, arts and cultural organizations, and youth-service agencies with nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship are eligible to apply. Youth Arts prioritizes youth or communities with limited or no access to the arts. Funding awards may range up to $10,000 for projects that will take place between September 2012 and September 2013.

“Arts training provides positive outlets, encourages creative expression and helps our young people succeed in learning and in life,” said Vincent Kitch, director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. “The arts are an essential ingredient in a complete education and play an important role in developing the next generation of engaged leaders.”

The application deadline is 11 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. For more information and to access the online application, click here.

Applicants can learn more about the Youth Arts program at an upcoming informational workshop, Monday, Jan. 9. Staff will also offer feedback on draft applications at two review sessions:  Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Monday, Jan. 30.