Calling all cultural festivals, community parties, jubilees, celebrations, and anyone else that hosts an annual neighborhood or community event — our Neighborhood and Community Arts (NCA) grant is open! The NCA program supports Seattle’s neighborhood arts councils and community groups that produce events to promote arts and cultural participation and build community. In 2014, the program provided $1,200 each to 42 groups to support annual public festivals and events.

To offer support during the application process (due October 22!), the Office of Arts & Culture provides a video of Program Manager Jenny Crooks outlining what makes a good application. Watch below, and don’t forget these three tips:

1)      Be specific!  Give examples of arts groups and activities that will be taking place and how they help celebrate arts, culture and your community.

2)      Be inclusive! Describe the impact your event has on the community you serve and highlight any efforts you are making to reach other communities.

3)      Be early!  Don’t wait until the deadline to start or submit your application.  Our office is happy to help but it’s always better to reach us early if you  have any questions about your application or narrative.