Building for the Arts

Administrator: Washington Department of Commerce

Geographic Scope: Washington State

Program Status: Active - 2025-2027 biennium fully funded at $18 million

Building for the Arts is a capital grant program that awards grants to performing arts, art museum, and cultural organizations for acquisition, construction, and/or major renovation of capital facilities.

Funding Details

• Total Available per Biennium: $18 million (increased from $12 million following 2022 legislation changes to RCW 43.63A.750)
• State Match: Up to 33% of eligible project costs (increased from 20% in 2022)
• Eligible Organizations: Nonprofit performing arts, art museum, and cultural organizations
• Geographic Coverage: Statewide - 2025-2027 cycle funded 38 projects across 21 legislative districts and 13 counties

Eligible Projects

• Acquisition of capital facilities
• Construction of new facilities
• Major renovation of existing facilities

Program History

• Has secured over $165 million for more than 332 capital projects across Washington State
• 2022 legislative changes (HB1647) significantly expanded program

Recent Grant Cycles

2025-2027 Biennium: 38 projects funded (May 20, 2025)
2023-2025 Biennium: 32 projects funded at $18 million
2021-2023 Biennium: 21 projects funded

Contact Information

Current Contact: Jordan Lusink, Advocacy & Programs Manager
Previous Contact: Katy Corella at katycorella@artsfund.org or (206) 508-0299

ArtsFund Address: 100 West Harrison Street, Suite S150, Seattle, WA 98119

Additional Resources

• Program details available on Washington Department of Commerce website
• One-pager with program information and economic impacts available
• Project packets with detailed information on selected projects available

Application Process

Administration: Applications administered by Washington Department of Commerce

Application Cycle: Based on Washington State Biennium (two-year cycles)

Timeline Information

• Most recent cycle: Applications closed at end of June 2022
• Next cycle began in Spring 2024
• Check Department of Commerce website for current application dates and guidelines

How to Apply

1. Review application guidelines on Washington Department of Commerce website
2. Check current biennium deadlines and application opening dates
3. Submit application according to Department of Commerce requirements
4. Projects must meet eligible use criteria and organizational requirements

Application Details

• Submission: Through Washington Department of Commerce
• Required Materials: Not specified in available materials (contact DoC for details)
• Eligibility Requirements: Nonprofit status, performing arts/art museum/cultural organization focus, capital project scope

More Information

For detailed application guidelines, important dates, and submission requirements, visit the Building for the Arts page on the Washington Department of Commerce website.

For questions about the program, advocacy, or eligibility, contact Jordan Lusink at jordan.lusink@artsfund.org.