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Information

Kathy Hsieh
Program Manager
(206) 733-9926

The Arts Mean Business funding program's purpose is to fund arts jobs crucial to the implementation of sustainable revenue strategies for Seattle arts, cultural and heritage organizations. The program will provide one-time funds for positions that will make a difference in each organization's ability to generate extra revenue to carry out its mission.

Arts mean business. They are essential not only for positively engaging our youth and establishing a high quality of life, but for encouraging a flourishing economy. Arts and culture organizations comprise a vital business sector with significant impact in Seattle. The arts:

  • Create jobs. The nonprofit arts and culture industry in Seattle supports 10,807 full-time equivalent jobs.
  • Deliver a strong return on investment, generating $38.2 million in local and state government revenues.
  • Draw vital tourism into the region. Recently, readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, two of the world's foremost travel magazines, voted Seattle one of their top ten favorite cities to visit. What makes Seattle so appealing? According to Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau, it's because of the "unlimited opportunities to experience art, heritage and culture, all in a setting of rare natural beauty."
  • Provide highly valued services for local residents. Nonprofit arts organizations in Seattle with a primary mission in the arts show per capita revenues over 3 times the national average.
  • Leverage additional event related spending by their audiences who contribute vital revenue into restaurants, hotels, retail, parking and other local businesses. The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study shows that in Seattle, the typical attendee spends $29.79 per person, per event, to support local businesses in addition to the cost of admission.
  • Attract new business. International studies show that the communities offering an abundance of arts and culture opportunities are the most sought after for global businesses, new start-ups and the brightest professionals.

Investing in the arts is an investment in the cultural, social and economic good of the city.

Applicant Eligibility

Seattle-based organizations with at least a three-year operating history as a legally established not-for-profit organization, have as a primary purpose an arts, culture or heritage focus, and demonstrate a record of ongoing artistic or cultural accomplishments serving Seattle residents.

Funding Levels

(Amount determined by organization budget size)

  • Organizations with an annual budget of less than $400,000 are eligible for $2,000 - $10,000.
  • Organizations with an annual budget greater than $400,000 are eligible for up to $25,000.

Funds may be applied to:

Salary support or contract fees, full or partial, for one position that is crucial to the implementation of sustainable revenue strategies for the organization.

Information

Program Manager
Kathy.Hsieh@seattle.gov
(206) 733-9926