The Youth Arts Grant is a 2-year program that helps middle and high school students in Seattle get more access to arts and cultural opportunities. These programs happen outside of school hours and are led by skilled artists and teaching artists. The goal is to create more opportunities for young people from a variety of racial and socioeconomic backgrounds to connect with the arts. 

For more details, please read the full guidelines. They are also available in these languages:

• Amharic
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Oromo
• Russian
• Somali
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

Due Date

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 5 p.m. Pacific.  

Please allow ample time to complete your application. Applications submitted after the 5 p.m. Pacific deadline will not be accepted. 

Eligibility 

• Projects must take place between September 2026 – August 2027 and September 2027 – August 2028. 

• Eligible applicants include individual artists, teaching artists, arts and cultural organizations, youth-service agencies, and degree-granting institutions.  

• Programs must be available to middle and/or high school-aged young people and take place within Seattle city limits. Talk with the project manager if you have questions.  

• Your physical address may be outside Seattle city limits. 

• All artists and teaching artists hired by awardees must have at least one (1) year of experience working with the project age group and art and/or cultural forms.  

• Projects must reflect the Youth Arts grant priorities and demographics.

Funding  

Selected awardees will receive a total of $12,000 in funding support distributed over two (2) years of programs: $6,000 in 2026-2027 and $6,000 in 2027-2028. 

Information Sessions 

Learn more about this grant and how to submit your best application. Attend one of the Information Sessions to answer specific questions about your project.  

Question and Answer Session 1  

Thursday, Feb. 12, 12 – 1 p.m. 

RSVP to February 12 

Question and Answer Session 2  

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5 – 6 p.m. 

RSVP to February 17 

Draft Review Session 1  

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 5 – 6 p.m. 

RSVP to February 25 

Draft Review Session 2  

Tuesday, March 3, 12 – 1 p.m. 

RSVP to March 3 

Contact

If you have questions or need help with things like applying, checking if you’re eligible, or using the online grant system, send an email to: YouthArts@seattle.gov. 

We have interpreters who can speak to you in your language, including American Sign Language (via video). Just call us and tell us what language you speak. Expect a short pause while we find an interpreter to join the call. You can also email us to schedule a meeting at YouthArts@seattle.gov.