Materials

For full details about the Arts in Parks grant, please read the full guidelines. You will also need these documents for your application:

Important note: Applicants are not required to provide a park permit or event insurance to submit an application for Arts in Parks. Below is Seattle Parks and Recreation's Park Permit and Insurance Checklist that was shared during the virtual Info Session (see recording below). If awarded, event insurance can be covered with the award funding. Applicants can use this Checklist if they would like to get a quote for their event insurance and include it in their narrative budget.

The guidelines are also available in these languages:

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.

Information Sessions

View a recording of the Oct. 24 virtual information session. Learn more about this grant and how to submit your best application.

Information Session #2 (In-person) 
Monday, Oct. 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Pacific) 
In-person: Garfield Community Center 
RSVP to 10/28

Draft Feedback Sessions

Bring your draft application materials to be reviewed by City staff and get feedback before you submit your final application.

Draft Feedback Session 1 (Virtual) 
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 12:00-1:30 p.m. (Pacific) 
Virtual: Microsoft Teams 
RSVP to 11/13

Draft Application Feedback Session 2 (In-person) 
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
In-person: Jefferson Community Center 
RSVP to 11/16

Application 

Apply online through the City of Seattle’s grant website. 

If you don’t have computer or internet access, or have any other barriers in applying, contact Zach Frimmel, Grants Project Manager, at (206) 963-9226.

Due Date

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, 5 p.m. (Pacific).

Please allow ample time to complete and submit your application; applications will not be accepted after the 5:00 p.m. Pacific deadline.

Eligibility/Requirements

You are eligible to apply for this grant if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are an individual artist, local organization, or community-based group located in, or presenting work regularly in, Seattle.
    • Organizations and individual artists representing communities most impacted by systemic oppression including low-income, people with disabilities, immigrant and refugee communities, and communities of color are encouraged to apply.
  • You have a Federal Tax ID number (Social Security Number, ITIN, or Employee Identification Number).
    • Groups applying are not required to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nor are they required to use a fiscal sponsor or fiscal agent. 

You are not eligible to apply for this grant if: 

  • You have an open Arts in Parks contract after Dec. 31, 2024.

Your project/event is eligible to be funded by this grant if it meets the following criteria: 

  • Your project will have a significant arts and culture component. 
  • Your project will be free and open to the public.
  • You will have event insurance for the project.
  • Your project will adhere to Seattle Park and Recreation’s mission statement (to provide welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate, build community, and promote responsible stewardship of the land).
  • Your project will take place in an eligible City of Seattle park between May 1 and November 30, 2025. View list of preferred parks.
    • Events taking place in Downtown, City Center Parks, Playfields, or green spaces immediately adjacent to community centers are not eligible for this funding. View list of ineligible parks. 

You may submit only one (1) application per year to this program.

Funding

You can apply for the following levels of funding: $2,000, $4,000, $6,000, or $8,000.

Preferred Parks

Please visit the Seattle Parks and Recreation website and use the Park Finder to view more information about any of the parks listed below.

Central

  • Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park
  • Judkins Park
  • Flo Ware Park
  • Pratt Park
  • Powell Barnett Park

North

  • Albert Davis Park
  • Ballard Commons Park
  • Lake City Mini-Park
  • Licton Springs Park
  • Little Brook Park
  • Sandel Park
  • Virgil Flaim Park

Southeast

  • Be’er Sheva Park
  • John C. Little Park
  • Martha Washington Park
  • Othello Park
  • Pritchard Island Beach

Southwest

  • Duwamish Waterway Park
  • Highland Park Playground
  • Myrtle Reservoir Park
  • Roxhill Park
  • Westcrest Park 

Ineligible Parks

Downtown or Center City parks are NOT eligible for Arts in Parks funded projects. Other funding sources are available for projects in these parks.

  • 2100 Westlake
  • Alaskan Way Blvd
  • Bell Street Park
  • Belltown P-Patch / Belltown Cottage Park
  • Cascade Playground
  • City Hall Park
  • Denny Regrade Park Off-Leash Area
  • Donnie Chin International Children’s Park
  • Elliott Bay Bike Path
  • Freeway Park
  • Hing Hay Park
  • Jefferson Park
  • Kobe Terrace
  • Lake Union Park
  • McGraw Square
  • Myrtle Edwards Park
  • Occidental Square
  • Pier 62/63
  • Pioneer Square Park
  • Plymouth Pillars Park and Off-Leash Area
  • Prefontaine Place
  • Tilikum Place
  • Union Station Square
  • Victor Steinbrueck Park
  • Waterfront Park
  • Washington Street Boat Landing
  • Westlake Square
  • Westlake Park

The following playfields, parks, and green spaces are not eligible for Arts in Parks-funded projects. Many of these playfields and parks benefit from Community Centers, which have funding sources available or other sources of support for projects in these parks.

  • Alki Playground
  • Ballard Playground
  • Bitter Lake Playfield
  • Camp Long
  • Carkeek Park
  • Delridge Playfield
  • Discovery Park
  • Garfield Playfield
  • Green Lake Playfield
  • Hiawatha Playfield
  • Laurelhurst Playfield
  • Loyal Heights Playfield
  • Magnolia Playfield
  • Magnuson Park
  • Meadowbrook Playfield
  • Miller Playfield
  • Montlake Playfield
  • Northgate Park
  • Rainier Beach Playfield
  • Rainier Playfield
  • Ravenna-Eckstein Park
  • South Park Playground
  • Van Asselt Playground
  • Walt Hundley Playfield
  • West Queen Anne Playfield
  • Yesler Terrace Park 

Manage your award

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Your Account

Documents

Getting the word out

The Arts in Parks application is on the new Citywide grants platform that will produce a better experience for applicants and aligns with the City's race and social justice values by providing more equity in opportunities for artists and communities of color. Applicants will be able to submit applications and manage their awards by creating or logging into their account at the City of Seattle Grants Portal. 

If you are managing an award for an organization or group and think they may already be in the system, please reach out to the program manager listed on this webpage.

Getting the Word Out

Want to get the word out about your arts, cultural event, or exhibit? Here are some tips on sending out information to the public and local media.

  1. Gather all the details: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.\
  2. Gather graphics and photos for publicity. Work with a designer on the look and any printed materials.
  3. Write a press release and/or prepare a press kit and send it to the media.

Social Media

  1. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Also, be sure you’re signed up for our email newsletter.
  2. Post about your grant/event/program, and tag us. When you tag us, we get notified and can boost. 
  3. The sooner you tell your Project Manager about your event, the more likely we’ll be able to fit it into our social media calendar. 
  4. If you have promo materials, please remember to send anything you have produced (press releases, postcards, brochures, etc.) to your Project Manager. These items should include the Office of Arts & Culture name and/or logo. 

We recommend circulating these items at least two weeks prior to your event to increase awareness and attendance.

The Press Release

Press releases inform the media about your event and can inspire them to publish a calendar listing or even cover the event. Search the internet for a description and walkthough of how to write a press release.

  • Try to let the media know what makes your event unique or relevant.
  • Be genuine. Exaggeration or inaccuracy will only hurt your chances of being a reliable media source. The more a press release reads like an actual news article, the better. Many smaller publications love releases they can print verbatim.
  • Press releases should look professional and be easy to read. 
  • Make sure your organization's name, address, website, and contact information are visible.
  • Include the media contact's name, direct phone line, and e-mail address near the top of the first page.
  • Include a "pull date" (the last date of the event) near the top of the first page.
  • Include a headline that summarizes the event and invites people to read the details.
  • All the most pertinent information should be included in the first paragraph - the five W's. Who is presenting, What, Where, and When? Why should people attend? Include information on how people can attend, location, website, e-mail, and phone.
  • Additional paragraphs can provide more descriptive information about the event, artists involved, and quotes.
  • Use your mission statement or general description of the organization at the end of the press release.
  • If the press release is longer than one page, write "-More-" at the bottom of each page. At the end of the last page, include "# # #" to indicate the end of the release.

The Press Kit

Press kits provide useful background information for members of the press writing previews or reviews of your arts or cultural event. A press kit should be organized in a folder and generally includes:

1) Organization Information (front to back on the left side of the folder)

  • Mission statement
  • Brief organizational history
  • Organizational brochure
  • Feature articles on the organization or lead staff
  • Board list
  • Business card for media contact

2) Specific Event Information (front to back on the right side of the folder)

  • Press release for the event
  • Photos or artwork related to the event
  • Event postcard or flyer
  • Event program
  • Artists' bios, if not in the program
  • Preview articles about the event

Note: Do not include reviews of the event or previous events in the press packet. Most reviewers do not want to be influenced by the opinions of others.

Online calendars

There are numerous websites with online events calendars to use to publicize your event. Here are a few:

Daily and Weekly Papers

Send your press releases to local newspapers. Here are some of the dailies and weekly papers to begin with.

Neighborhood Newspapers

Radio

Most radio stations accept a written public service announcement (PSA). Some will take a pre-recorded PSA. Check the website of the radio station you think best matches your audience. Many stations belong to the Puget Sound Broadcasters Association or Washington State Association of Broadcasters. Both organizations list links to their members.

Television

Seattle Channel, the city's municipal television channel, is committed to covering local arts and culture. Art Zone with Nancy Guppy on the Seattle Channel specifically covers the local art scene.

Local television stations are:

Arts & Culture

Gülgün Kayim, Director
Address: 303 S. Jackson Street, Top Floor, Seattle, WA , 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94748, Seattle, WA , 98124-4748
Phone: (206) 684-7171
Fax: (206) 684-7172
arts.culture@seattle.gov

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The Office of Arts & Culture promotes the value of arts and culture in, and of, communities throughout Seattle. It strives to ensure that a wide range of high-quality artistic experiences are available to everyone, encourage artist-friendly arts and cultural policy.