Indigenous band Khu.eex' performing at Artists at the Center in December 2021. Photo courtesy of Jenny Crooks.

$1.13M for Downtown and Neighborhood Parks Murals, Seattle Center Performances, and Arts and Cultural Experiences for Seattle Youth

SEATTLE (October 2) – The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture continues investing in the city’s creative future, awarding $1.13 million to more than 75 local artists and organizations. Through the Hope Corps Downtown Seattle and Seattle Parks and Recreation Mural Projects, Artists at the Center, and Youth Arts grants, the arts will touch each corner of Seattle. By investing in creative workers these resources also beautify neighborhoods, captivate audiences, and nurture the artistic aspirations of youth and contribute to the economic vitality of the City. As early as this month, a surge of artistic programming will pop-up in communities across the city. 

“There can be no art without artists and creative workers – that’s why our administration is advancing programs like Hope Corps that invest in creatives and arts organizations, delivering needed artistic programming throughout Seattle,” said Mayor Harrell. “More public art means a more vibrant, welcoming city for all, and I’m excited to see how these local artists further enhance our city’s beauty and showcase its creativity.” 

“Seattle’s arts community is the heart of our economy and cultural identity. By supporting the creative sector through a diverse range of grants, we not only empower our artists to thrive but also to enrich our communities,” said Gülgün Kayim, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture interim director. “I look forward to working together to ensure that art continues to flourish, resonating with the diverse voices that make Seattle truly unique.” 

Hope Corps

Hope Corps, an artist employment and COVID-19 recovery initiative, continues to connect under- and unemployed artists and cultural workers with invaluable creative career advancement opportunities. Nearly 60 murals—temporary and permanent—will dot the city landscape beginning later this year and into 2024. The following awarded projects are in alignment with Mayor Harrell’s Many Hands Art Initiative, not only pumping art into the heart of Seattle but also combatting graffiti with paid opportunities to transform neighborhoods throughout the city. With a total investment of $877,000 directly to artists and organizations, these projects will represent the city’s rich cultural history and community visions for the future.  

The Downtown Seattle Mural Project, a component of Mayor Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan, is funded by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture’s Hope Corps program, with in-kind contributions from the Office of Economic Development, supporting six trusted downtown neighborhood organizations. The collaboration will create approximately 40 murals spanning from SODO to Belltown, to celebrate Downtown Seattle’s vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment. Organizations will contract with local artists to create more pedestrian-friendly experiences for residents and tourists in the heart of the city.  

Seattle Parks and Recreation Mural Project will fund 18 talented artists who will bring temporary murals to life at parks public restrooms throughout the city. The mural locations span areas outside the Downtown Activation Plan. Seattle Parks and Recreation’s (SPR) equity tier system was used for parks selection to ensure traditionally underserved parks first receive project dollars and services. Projects are scheduled for design and installation in 2023 and 2024, with artworks maintained through at least 2025 and into 2026. Awards are based on the size of the mural, range from $6,000 to $15,000, and reinforce ARTS vision of “a city driven by creativity that provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in diverse arts and cultural experiences.”   

Artists at the Center 

In its third year, Artists at the Center offers a year-long slate of pop-up performances at Seattle Center featuring up-and-coming artists. The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, and Seattle Center, along with funders Climate Pledge Arena and Seattle Kraken, have partnered to produce Artists at the Center 2024 —an opportunity for emerging artists and the community to enliven the campus and celebrate Climate Pledge Arena’s commitment to the arts. The Uptown Arts and Culture Coalition will continue to partner with Artists at the Center for promotion, community engagement, and year-end celebrations.  

The program is designed to offer campus visitors a surprising and delightful array of arts and cultural experiences, encountering performances as they make their way to a Climate Pledge Arena event, pop by for a Seattle Center Festál festival, head to a resident organization production, stroll through Seattle Center, or visit businesses in the surrounding Uptown neighborhood. Twenty-six performances will take place from November 2023 to September 2024. 

Youth Arts  

The Youth Arts Grant, is a two-year funding program that champions equitable access to arts and cultural learning experiences for the diverse youth of Seattle. Designed to provide enrichment opportunities for middle and high school-aged youth, this grant transcends classroom boundaries by offering arts and cultural programs outside of school hours. Led by experienced artists and teaching artists with deep community connections, YA is expanding access to arts and cultural opportunities for young people from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

With a commitment to creative youth development, Youth Arts disburses a total grant amount of $12,000, distributing $6,000 annually over two years, to 24 art and culture organizations. From 2023 – 2025, these programs will span the creative spectrum, offering young minds avenues for self-expression and exploration.