We partner with Seattle's artists and cultural organizations to enrich the lives of residents and visitors with a dazzling range of opportunities, from neighborhood festivals to mainstage performances to arts training for youth. Our civic partnerships include funding opportunities, initiatives and training for organizations, individual artists, youth arts programs, neighborhood and community groups. In 2007, the city invested nearly $1.7 million to support 243 artists and cultural organizations. We are committed to removing barriers to participation and involving diverse cultures and underserved audiences and artists.
Civic Partnerships team recognized for work in Race and Social Justice
The Civic Partnerships team received a 2008 Excellence in Management Award from Seattle Management Association (SMA) for the team's work to advance the city of Seattle's Race & Social Justice Initiative (RSJI). The Civic Partnerships team focuses on funding for arts programs in Seattle. The RSJI is a citywide effort to eliminate institutional attitudes, practices and policies that result in racial disproportionality.
The SMA award singled out smART ventures, a flexible, small awards program. Of 119 projects funded since smART ventures launched in 2006, 77 (65 percent) of the awards have gone to diverse and underserved populations.