2026 Artist Project Support Grant

The 2026 Auburn Arts Commission Artist Project Support Grant is administered by the City of Auburn Arts Commission and is supported through redistributed funding from 4Culture, the Cultural Development Authority of King County. The objective of this program is to promote the growth, innovation, excellence, and accessibility of the arts in Auburn, Washington. The grant encourages artists to propose projects or programs that deliver a clear and accessible benefit to the general public of Auburn. As a public-facing grant opportunity, it aims to foster creativity while ensuring that the broader Auburn community gains from the projects funded. Funding from this program originates from 4Culture’s Arts Sustained Support program and is subject to availability, making all grants contingent on continued receipt of funds. Individual project grants typically range between $500 and $1,000 and are allocated based on a competitive selection process. Funded projects are expected to take place between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Selected projects may be partially or fully funded within the designated award range. Importantly, disbursement occurs only after the project’s completion and submission of an invoice and evaluation form. Recipients are also required to provide public acknowledgment of support from both the City of Auburn and 4Culture on all promotional materials. Eligibility is restricted to projects conducted within Auburn’s city limits that offer unrestricted public access. Private, membership-based, or invitation-only events are not eligible. Proposed projects must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations. While applicants who receive funding from other City of Auburn programs are eligible, preference is given to those who do not receive other city support. Projects that focus on scholarships, tuition, religious or political activities, or serve exclusive organizational memberships are not eligible. Members of the Auburn Arts Commission and city staff are also ineligible to apply. The evaluation criteria include demonstration of community impact, artistic quality, innovation, feasibility, and a clear plan for execution and assessment. Special consideration is given to proposals that engage multiple artists or organizations and those that offer significant community participation. Applications must include detailed contact and project information, a narrative section, and a balanced budget in which proposed income matches proposed expenses. Artists must also provide up to 10 JPEG images of work samples along with a résumé or CV. Optional submissions include marketing or press samples. All applications must be submitted electronically through the designated online form. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Submissions will be assessed by a peer panel with expertise in the arts and familiarity with the Auburn community. Selected projects are then reviewed and approved by the Auburn Arts Commission, with final notifications expected by mid-November 2025. Applicants whose projects are not completed as proposed may become ineligible for payment, and awarded amounts may differ from those requested. Applicants are encouraged to contact Arts Program Supervisor Allison Hyde at ahyde@auburnwa.gov or 253-931-5100 for guidance during the application process. Staff assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. The final application deadline is September 30, 2025, with project activity to occur throughout the 2026 calendar year.

Applicants are encouraged to contact staff for assistance.