The 2024 Morgan Fund, administered by the Seattle Foundation, aims to bolster performing arts organizations, aligning with the foundation's broader mission to foster impactful and innovative art. This grant program is specifically designed to promote "better art" – art that is moving, exciting, tells new stories powerfully, or offers unique perspectives on old ones. The Seattle Foundation's strategic priority through this fund is to cultivate a vibrant and dynamic arts community, primarily focusing on theatre and dance, recognizing art as a crucial component of community collaboration and cultural expression.
The primary beneficiaries of the Morgan Fund are tax-exempt nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)3 or those fiscally sponsored by such entities, with individual artists being ineligible. The program targets organizations committed to artistic excellence and those involved in training the next generation of artists and technicians. While the focus is broadly on performing arts, there is a clear emphasis on theatre and dance, particularly within the Seattle and Washington, D.C. areas, indicating a localized yet impactful approach to arts development.
The fund's core priorities include supporting art that is "brave and strong" and fostering environments where artists can thrive through collaboration. Beyond direct artistic output, the program also prioritizes organizations that contribute to the professional development of the arts sector, ensuring a sustainable future for performing arts. The expected outcomes include the production of compelling artistic works, the development of new artistic talent, and the strengthening of performing arts communities in the designated geographical areas.
While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of art supported and the focus on training, the implicit impact goals revolve around enhancing cultural vitality, promoting artistic innovation, and building a robust ecosystem for performing artists and technicians. The funding structure offers up to $16,000 for general support and up to $24,000 for program/project funding, demonstrating a commitment to both operational stability and specific project-based initiatives that embody the fund's vision for transformative art.
