The National Endowment for the Arts has released its guidelines for the distribution of $75 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securirty (CARES) Act. ArtsWA is currently preparing guidelines to swiftly distribute the funding to arts organizations across the state. More information on how to apply will be available soon. Up to $10 million in emergency relief grants ($5,000 each) are also available through the newly formed national Artist Relief Fund. Here in Washington, small businesses can also apply for $10,000 in emergency relief funding that can be used for operational expenses.
ArtsWA makes relief funds request for the arts in Washington
The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) has requested a $10 million allocation from the COVID-19 state relief funds passed by the Legislature at the end of the last session.
COVID-19 Relief Funding for Washington’s Creative Sector
Congress has passed the third COVID-19 response relief package, which the president has signed into law. The package includes a $75 million allocation to the National Endowment for the Arts. Of this, 40% will be distributed to the United States’ 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies, which includes the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA).
Public Art Opportunity at South Bend Elementary
ArtsWA is seeking artists for a public art project at South Bend Elementary School. Deadline is 5pm, May 1, 2020. Find more information here.
Read more Public Art Opportunity at Whatcom Community College
ArtsWA is seeking artists for a public art project at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham. Deadline is 5pm, April 24, 2020. Find more information here.
Read more Special Board Meeting – Thursday, March 26 at 1:00 pm PST
ArtsWA is announcing a special board meeting to take place on march 26,2020 at 1:00pm PST.
ArtsWA Rules Writing Workshop – March 26, 2020
ArtsWA is holding a public rules writing workshop on March 26th at 3:00 p.m. PST. Due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the meeting has been moved to virtual hosting. You can join the meeting online or call in.
Announcing the 2020 Poetry Out Loud State Champion
UPDATE: As the State Poetry Out Loud Champion, Jordan Mattox, a junior at Spokane’s Mead High School was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. However, in an unprecedented move, the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation has canceled the event over concerns of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.
Arts and culture fare well in Legislative Session
ArtsWA is thankful for the support of the legislature during this past legislative session. Several ArtsWA budget items have been included in the Operating and Capital budgets. Other statewide arts/cultural items are also included.
A message from our Agency Director
March 20, 2020 – As efforts evolve to combat the spread of COVID-19, ArtsWA is focusing on the health and economic prosperity of the arts and culture sector statewide.
ArtsWA office closed, but work continues
March 17, 2020 – The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) office is temporarily closed until further notice. ArtsWA staff are fully available by email, phone, and through our website and the work of the agency continues.
Seattle Mayor Durkin announces Arts Recovery Package
March 17, 2020 – Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today a $1.1 million City of Seattle funding package to invest directly in creative workers and arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19.