Youth Arts Grant

The Youth Arts Grant, provided by the City of Seattle: Office of Arts & Culture, aims to enhance arts access for middle and high school youth. This two-year program supports diverse artists and organizations that facilitate after-school arts education. With a total funding of $12,000, priority is given to projects serving underrepresented communities. Eligible applicants include individual artists and cultural organizations committed to fostering creative opportunities for youth facing social inequities.

NOTE: Attending an information session and draft review is strongly encouraged, especially if you are a first-time applicant.
The Youth Arts grant is a 2-year program that helps middle and high school students in Seattle get more access to arts and cultural opportunities.
That’s why the Youth Arts grant focuses on programs that support youth in these groups.
Grant Purpose
The purpose of the Youth Arts grant is to support individual artists, arts organizations, and social service agencies in providing middle and high school-aged young people with arts and cultural learning opportunities outside of the school day..
Funding
Selected awardees will receive a total of $12,000 in Youth Arts funding support distributed over two (2) years of programs: $6,000 in 2026-2027 and $6,000 in 2027-2028.

Eligibility

Eligibility/RequirementsEligible applicants include individual artists, teaching artists, arts and cultural organizations, youth-service agencies, and degree-granting institutions.Projects must take place in two year period covered by the grant. Programs must be available to middle and high school-aged young people and take place within Seattle city limits.All artists and teaching artists hired by arts and cultural organizations, youth-service agencies, and degree-granting institutions must have at least one (1) year of experience working with the project age group and arts and cultural forms.Projects must reflect the Youth Arts grant priorities and demographics.Funds can be used for:Artist feesYouth stipendsMarketing and promotional feesProject management and personnel costsSuppliesSpaceEquipment rentalsProgram-related costsAdditional expenses may be allowed with prior approval by the grant project manager

Ineligibility

Funds cannot be used for:In-school activitiesAny elements of the proposed project that are completed before funds are awardedPurchase of equipment or softwareCulminating events or giftsFundraising, benefit events, or religious services