"A Practice of Return" by Nia-Amina Minor, photo by Chloe Collyer Our CityArtist grant supports Seattle-based individual artists/curators in the research, development, and presentation of creative work. The 2027 application is open to artists and curators working in Dance, Music, and Theater (including Playwriting). Awarded artists will need to offer a public presentation within Seattle city limits. We support a broad range of artistic and cultural expression reflecting the city’s diversity.
This program is open to specific discipline clusters in alternate years:
- Odd-Year (2027): Dance, Music, and Theater (including Playwriting)
- Even-Year (2028): Literary, Media/Film (including Screenwriting), and Visual Art
For information and assistance with the application, eligibility or online technical support contact the Project Manager at 206-684-7310 or ART_CityArtist@seattle.gov.
We have interpreters who can speak to you in your language, including American Sign Language (via video). Just call the project manager and tell them what language you speak. Expect a short pause while they find an interpreter to join the call.
For more details, please read the full guidelines. They are also available in these languages:
Due Date
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 5 PM Pacific
Please allow ample time to complete your application. Applications submitted after the 5 PM Pacific deadline will not be accepted.
Eligibility
You are eligible for this grant if you meet these criteria:
- You are an individual, generative artist/curator who produces/presents art.
- You are a Seattle resident or have a permanent studio/workspace in your name within Seattle city limits where you receive mail. It cannot be a P.O. Box. A post office box, temporary rehearsal space or studio under a name other than the funded artist/curator does not fulfill the residency requirement. If you are uncertain about your address (not all “Seattle” zip codes are actually in the city limits), enter your zip code into this interactive city map to confirm. Contact the project manager for clarification.
- You are at least 18 years of age by the application due date
- If you are the lead artist/curator of an arts or cultural group/organization, you must clearly distinguish work for this award from the ongoing/seasonal work of your group/organization.
You are not eligible for this grant if:
- You reside outside the Seattle city limits and have no permanent work/studio space in Seattle.
- You are enrolled in a degree-granting program related to your own artistic work or career.
- You are a current award recipient from any of our programs with an active contract.
Timeline
This timeline is an estimate and is subject to change.
- June 2, 2026: Application opens
- July 14, 2026: Application closes at 5 PM Pacific
- Sept. 2026: An independent peer review panel of artists, curators, arts administrators,
and community representatives review and score applications based on the program’s
priorities, eligibility, and criteria. - Nov. 2026: Applicants are notified whether they have been approved for funding or
not. - Feb./March 2027: Contracting/payments begin
- Nov. 30, 2028: Public presentation and final report completed
- Dec. 31, 2028: Contract expiration date
Funding
Awards are set at a single amount of $8,000 for all recipients.
Information Workshops
Join a virtual information session to learn more about this grant and how to turn in your strongest application. We highly encourage first-time applicants to attend. One-on-one draft review sessions are available by phone:
Virtual Information Session 1
Wednesday, June 8, 4-6 PM Pacific
Register for June 8 session
Virtual Information Session 2
Monday, June 15, 1-3 PM Pacific
Register for June 15 session
Draft Review Session by Phone – Appointment needed
Monday, June 22, 1-6 PM Pacific
Monday, June 29, 1-6 PM Pacific
Monday, July 6, 1-6 PM Pacific
Contact the Project Manager at 206-684-7310 or ART_CityArtist@seattle.gov to schedule an appointment.
Open Hours by Phone – No appointment needed
Tuesday, June 9, 16, 23, 30
3-4 PM Pacific
Contact the Project Manager at 206-684-7310 or ART_CityArtist@seattle.gov.
