The CityArtist grant supports Seattle-based individual artists/curators in the research, development, and presentation of creative work. The 2026 application is open to artists/curators working in Literary, Media/Film (including Screenwriting), and Visual Arts.

This program is open to specific disciplines in alternating years:

• Even Years (2026, 2028): Literary, Media/Digital/Film (including Screenwriting), and Visual
• Odd Years (2025, 2027): Dance, Music, and Theater (including Playwriting)

Awarded artists will need to offer a public presentation within Seattle city limits. We encourage a broad range of artistic and cultural expression that reflects the Seattle’s diversity.

The guidelines are also available in these languages. Please share with artists whose first language isn’t English:

The guidelines are also available in these languages:

• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Somali
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese

Due Date

Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 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

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.
• 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 one’s own artistic work or career.
• You are a current award recipient from any Office of Arts & Culture program with an active contract.

Funding

Awards are set at a single amount of $8,000 for all recipients.

Virtual Information and Draft Review Sessions

Virtual Information Session 1

Thursday, June 26
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Pacific)
RSVP to June 26

Virtual Information Session 2

Tuesday, July 8
1 – 3 p.m. (Pacific)
RSVP to July 8

Group Draft Review 1

Thursday, July 17
4 – 6 p.m. (Pacific)
RSVP to July 17

Group Draft Review 2

Tuesday, July 22
3 – 5 p.m. (Pacific)
RSVP to July 22

Open Phone Office Hours

Wednesdays, June 25 – July 17
3 – 5 p.m. (Pacific)
Call Project Manager, Irene Gómez, at (206) 684-7310

Contact

For information and assistance with the application or eligibility, contact Project Manager, Irene Gómez, at (206) 684-7310 or Irene.Gomez@seattle.gov. For online technical support, contact Marshonne Walker at Marshonne.Walker@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.