Gülgün Kayim joined our staff as director in July 2023 and concluded her role in January 2026. Here are some words of appreciation and gratitude from our staff: Gülgün, you brought your respectful “Yes, and…” willingness to listen and collaborate. You helped build bridges between people and ideas. I’m so grateful… [ Keep reading ]
One of our proudest accomplishments in 2025 was the launch of our new strategic plan, published at the beginning of the year and created by and for the people who make this work possible: our staff. After years of disruption caused by the pandemic across Seattle’s creative sector and multiple… [ Keep reading ]
We are proud to announce the 2025 Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) Awardees. On pause since the pandemic, we re-opened this program last year as part of a combined application with our Centering Art & Racial Equity Grant, to increase equity and access. Out of 88 CFF applications, 14 organizations were… [ Keep reading ]
Funding will support World Cup celebrations in every district and downtown experiences led by local artists and cultural leaders Seattle, WA – Today, the City of Seattle announced nearly $1.3 million in investments to activate public spaces, celebrate local culture, and bring people together across the city through grants for… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Project examines what makes Seattle and this country great Seattle, WA – Arrivals, a site-specific dance performance, premieres at ARTS at King Street Station on Oct. 25. This work has been developed throughout the year as part of the Office of Arts & Culture’s first movement residency. The… [ Keep reading ]
Our Director, Gülgün Kayim, is featured in the latest issue of AMA Magazine #373. She talks about how we’re working in Seattle to embed arts and culture into the city’s systems—from real estate and zoning, to public art, youth engagement, and economic resilience. As Director of Arts & Culture for… [ Keep reading ]
Many of the artists and organizations we fund tell us that one of their biggest challenges is getting media coverage for their work. That’s why, about ten years ago, we started including media organizations in our funding. Arts journalism has always struggled. And in light of recent federal funding cuts… [ Keep reading ]
The Creative Advantage Institute is back at the Seattle Art Museum Saturday, Sept. 27. This day of professional learning in and through the arts is the creative start to the 2025-2026 school year and serves as a time for teachers, artists, community partners, arts administrators, and education leaders to reconvene,… [ Keep reading ]
Since 2016, Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture (OAC) has partnered with Seattle’s Parks and Recreation (SPR) to increase arts and culture-based events in parks throughout the city. Through the Arts in Parks (AiP) program, the City invests in the vibrant cultural work being done in and by diverse communities throughout Seattle. This… [ Keep reading ]
On June 9, our Arts Education team welcomed over 40 community members and stakeholders to celebrate The Creative Advantage as we close the 2024-25 school year. A great turnout of Seattle Public School educators, teaching artists, community-based arts organizations, and fellow funders were treated to live music from The Rhapsody… [ Keep reading ]
