Becoming a Washington State Certified Creative District is a multi-step process that begins long before an application is submitted. Communities typically spend about two years preparing and applying for certification through a comprehensive readiness and planning phase, with guidance and feedback from ArtsWA along the way.

The process is designed to ensure that districts are community-driven, well-structured, and positioned for long-term success.

Certification Process Steps

• Step 1: Community Readiness & Planning
• Step 2: Site Visit & Boundary Review
• Step 3: Letter of Intent (LOI)
  • Application Timeline
• Step 4: Full Application Submission
• Step 5: Panel Review
• Step 6: Board Approval & Certification

Step 1: Community Readiness & Planning

(The foundation of certification)

The Community Readiness phase is the most significant part of the certification process. During this phase, communities build the structure, partnerships, and shared vision that make a Creative District viable and sustainable.

Before applying, communities must:

• Review the Pre-Application Checklist to fully understand minimum eligibility requirements
• Complete the Community Readiness Workbook, which guides communities through:
  • Defining a clear arts and cultural identity
  • Identifying existing community assets and what is missing
  • Building broad community and partner support
  • Collecting feedback and data
  • Establishing governance and leadership structures
  • Developing a strategic plan and budget for activities and growth
  • Identifying and mapping proposed district boundaries

This work requires extensive collaboration and input across the community and is reviewed by ArtsWA staff. Only communities that complete this phase and demonstrate readiness will be invited to move forward.

Most aspiring districts spend about two years completing the Community Readiness phase.

Resources:

• Pre-Application Checklist
• Community Readiness Workbook

Step 2: Site Visit & Boundary Review

A site visit with Creative District program staff must be scheduled before applying. This can be done after readiness materials are completed, or during the planning and workbook phase.

The site visit allows ArtsWA to:

• Review proposed district boundaries on the ground
• Discuss planning, partnerships, and implementation capacity
• Provide feedback and guidance before the application phase

If district boundaries change after the site visit and before submitting a Letter of Intent or application, an additional site visit is required. Communities may also be asked to revise portions of their Community Readiness Workbook based on ArtsWA feedback.

Step 3: Letter of Intent (LOI)

Once ArtsWA confirms that a community has completed the Community Readiness phase and demonstrated readiness to apply, the community will be invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to ArtsWA.

The LOI signals that:

• Readiness requirements have been met
• Planning materials have been reviewed and approved by ArtsWA
• The community is prepared to move into the formal application phase

Only communities with an approved LOI may proceed to submit a full application.

Before submitting an LOI, communities should review the Application Guidelines, which outline application requirements, evaluation criteria, and the overall review and approval process. A list of the questions in the application are included in the guidelines, as well as LOI requirements.

Reviewing the guidelines at this stage helps communities confirm alignment with program expectations before entering the 60-day application timeline.

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted during two annual windows each year. Communities should plan readiness work, site visits, and LOI submission accordingly. Only communities who have completed Steps 1 and 2 will be invited to apply during one of the following windows.

Window 1

• March: Letter of Intent (LOI) due
• May: Full application due (60 days from LOI approval)
• May–June: Panel review
• August: Board approval vote, if the panel recommends certification

Window 2

• September: Letter of Intent (LOI) due
• November: Full application due (60 days from LOI approval)
• November–December: Panel review
• February: Board approval vote, if the panel recommends certification

Resources:

• Application Guidelines available upon request. Please email Aaron Semer, Creative District Program Manager: aaron.semer@arts.wa.gov.

Completion of the Community Readiness phase does not guarantee placement in a specific application window.

Step 4: Full Application Submission

After LOI approval, communities have 60 days to submit a full application.

• A link to the online application will be provided in a Letter of Acceptance from ArtsWA after LOI approval
• Applications are accepted only through the online system
• Applications submitted via email or hard copy will not be accepted

Resource:

• Application Guidelines available upon request. Please email Aaron Semer, Creative District Program Manager: aaron.semer@arts.wa.gov.

Step 5: Panel Review

Submitted applications are reviewed and scored by a panel using the following weighted criteria:

• Creative District Management and Planning – 30%
• District Characteristics – 40%
• Community Buy-In and Inclusion – 30%

Panel recommendations are based on both the application and the strength of the underlying readiness work.

Step 6: Board Approval & Certification

If a panel recommends certification, the application is forwarded to the ArtsWA Board of Commissioners for a vote at their next quarterly meeting.

If approved:

• The Board vote establishes the official start date of certification
• The community becomes a Washington State Certified Creative District

A Guided, Collaborative Process

Throughout the certification process, ArtsWA staff provide guidance, feedback, and technical assistance. Certification is not competitive in the traditional sense; it is a collaborative process designed to help communities build strong, sustainable Creative Districts that reflect local values and priorities.