Arts & Culture Grant

The City of Burien Arts & Culture Grants program supports arts and culture projects and events that serve the diverse citizens of Burien. The program is administered through the City of Burien, with application review by the Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board and final approval by the Burien City Council. Applications for the 2027 funding cycle are open and are due Friday, July 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The purpose of the grant is to support projects and events that create arts and cultural impact within the city of Burien. Eligible activities include the production and presentation of art by Burien artists, public art, and cultural activities. The program seeks projects that attract regional artists and audiences and contribute to Burien's identity as a city that embraces diversity, celebrates arts and culture, promotes vitality, and treasures the environment. Most awarded grants range from 750 to 3000. Funding priorities include ongoing programs developed for or presented in the Burien community, support that helps keep organizations running those programs healthy, innovative projects that bring cultural experiences to Burien, and arts and cultural education experiences for underserved populations. Funds may be used to produce performances, exhibits, special events, or programs; provide opportunities for independent artists to develop and present work in all media; improve access for artists and audiences from diverse communities; and increase access through discount tickets or free educational programs. Applicants must be individuals or nonprofit organizations, and nonprofit organizations must provide evidence of nonprofit status. The proposed program or event must be held in Burien or serve a majority of Burien residents, must take place in 2027, and only one application per individual or organization will be accepted per year. Nonprofit applicants must attach verification of nonprofit status, a list of current board members, and a copy of board authorization for the application signer. Funding may not be used for purchase of equipment or real property, purchase of food or beverages, completed projects, general operating support, religious services, political events, events primarily for fundraising, for-profit projects, capital construction projects, projects primarily benefiting members of an organization or preventing reasonable access by the general public, or projects permanently located within privately owned facilities. The guidelines also state that they do not apply to Arts in Public Places funding under Ordinance No. 684. Applications must be submitted online through the listed Jotform application link by July 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Review criteria include benefit to Burien residents, artistic and cultural excellence and originality, administrative and fiscal management capability, engagement of underserved populations, diversity of additional funding sources, involvement of Burien-based artists and cultural organizations, completeness of application materials, and documented evaluation of previous grant objectives if applicable. If funded, applicants will contract with the City of Burien, complete the project by the end of the 2027 calendar year, provide a Social Security number or Federal Tax Identification Number, obtain liability insurance if required, credit the City of Burien on promotional and archival materials, and submit an invoice and brief final report to receive payment. Grant payments are made after projects are complete, not in advance. Questions may be directed to Caroline Bobanick, Recreation Supervisor, at carolineb@burienwa.gov or 206-391-6605.

Emphasize benefit to Burien residents, artistic and cultural excellence, administrative and fiscal capacity, engagement of underserved populations, diverse funding sources, Burien-based artists or cultural organizations, complete application materials, and prior-year evaluation if applicable.