Arts Mean Business is a funding program that provides historically underserved Seattle arts, cultural and heritage organizations with funds for jobs. In 2014, six organizations received this grant to fund new and recently created positions. For one previously volunteer-run organization, the funds will allow them to hire their first paid staff position. The funds will help implement positions that will create sustainable revenue for the organizations so that these positions are sustainable in the long-term.

For example, Densho will employ a new Marketing Manager, who will develop and implement outreach programs to engage the general public with video testimonies, historic photographs and documents, online history courses and an online encyclopedia about the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans.

Deaf Spotlight, who currently has no staff, will hire their first paid staff position, an Executive Director. Deaf Spotlight has a mission to inspire, encourage and showcase creative works of, by, and for Deaf people through events that celebrate Deaf culture and American Sign Language.

The other 2014 recipients of the Arts Mean Business Grant are Northwest African American Museum, Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, and Wing Luke Asian Museum. To view all the positions these organizations will fund, view our website.

“Investing in historically under-represented communities aligns the Arts Mean Business funding program with my goals for social justice in the city,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “Investing in the arts is an investment in the cultural, social and economic life of the city, and targeting funding in this way prioritizes our commitment to equity.”

Priority was placed on organizations that reflect, represent and serve historically underserved populations – communities of color, immigrant and refugee communities, and people who are disabled and who use the arts as a way to serve these communities.

Photo courtesy of the Wing Luke Museum. Museum visitor views display about working with glass and metal, “Dual Nature: Contemporary Glass and Jewelry”.