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Cultural Facilities funding open, info session Aug. 6

IMG_2072Last year, we funded over a dozen capital improvement projects for arts and culture groups throughout Seattle. These were pressing needs that improved their facilities, and improved the experiences of their audiences.

“Members politely told me when I arrived at the [Northwest] Film Forum in 2008,” says Executive Director Lyall Bush, “that the seats were a little uncomfortable, that they made their backs sore, that (in a couple of cases) they thought they smelled something funky.” Together with funders from around the region, the Office was able to fund the purchase and installation of 168 brand-new (non-funky-smelling) theater seats.

IMG_4150Meanwhile, across town, patrons in wheelchairs couldn’t access much of the programming offered by Jack Straw Studios. “Our organization’s greatest and most urgent priority,” wrote director Joan Rabinowitz, “is to address our building’s critical accessibility issues and code requirements.” The organization, with the Office’s help, completely redesigned their street presence to create a gallery space, an accessible entrance, and new windows to the street, welcoming the public in a way the solid façade never did.

Have you got a project to improve your facility? We’ve got an app for that! The Cultural Facilities program is accepting applications from arts, culture and heritage organizations in Seattle through Sept. 4. For eligibility information, guidelines, and applications, please see the information here.

Information Session
Still not sure if you’re eligible or how to apply? Please join us for an information session designed to help you put together the best application you can, 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 6 at The Hedreen Gallery, 12th Avenue at East Marion Street, Capitol Hill.

Learn what makes a strong application, including information about other funding programs. This interactive question-and-answer session will cover specifics on eligibility and how to apply. Please register for a session by contacting Matthew Richter. Sessions may be cancelled if there is insufficient advance registration.