Last weekend’s Sparkle in the Park wasn’t paid for with funding from the new Put the Arts in Parks pilot program — but it could have been:
This pilot program supports neighborhood arts councils and community-based groups that are seeking to activate Seattle Parks with new and established festivals or events that promote arts and cultural participation, celebrate our diversity and build community connections through arts and culture while connecting with underserved communities. The funds for this program are contingent on the passing of the Parks District budget.
The new grant program has been designed to help fund events and art installations that take place in a Seattle park in 2016 and, if it’s a success, beyond. The proposals can be art events, or community events with an arts element like music or performances.
The city plans to select 40 projects for the 2016 pilot. The program’s budget is around $340,000. The new program is part of the $47 million Seattle Park District funding plan for the coming year.
Another new grant program called the Major Projects Challenge Fund is also being created to allow community groups to create projects for parks that will draw from a $1.6 million pool. “Merely being expensive doesn’t necessarily make it a major project,” the city notes. “It should significantly expand the life and usability of the subject facility such that it provides more opportunities for people to make use of the facility.”
Put the Arts in Parks projects must be free to attend, “have a significant arts and culture component,” and “provide a platform for under-represented artists and communities” — sorry Shitbarf, you’re over-represented. Same goes for your, Chihuly.
Priority will be given to projects taking place in “preferred parks” — here’s the list for our area:
CENTRAL • Cal Anderson Park • Denny Park • Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park • First Hill Park • Judkins Park • Flo Ware Park • Pratt Park • Powell Barnett Park
Grants are available at levels from $1,200 to $7,200. Individual artists or community groups may apply but only groups with “demonstrated ability to produce the event” are eligible to receive $2,400 or more.
The deadline to apply for the new citywide program from The Office of Arts and Culture and Seattle Parks is October 30th. You can learn more and apply on seattle.gov.
