The smART Ventures Grant is administered by the Office of Arts & Culture in Seattle and is designed to support innovative and inclusive arts and cultural projects. This grant aims to expand cultural participation by funding individuals, organizations, and communities that may not qualify for other funding opportunities. The program is particularly focused on reaching underserved communities and encouraging fresh, creative ideas that contribute to the cultural landscape of Seattle.

Applications for the smART Ventures Grant are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The funding ranges from $500 to $1,500, demonstrating that even small investments can create significant community impact. The application process is intentionally flexible and accessible to ensure a broad range of applicants can participate. Special consideration is given to projects that serve underrepresented populations, including those with limited access to cultural experiences due to age, geography, ethnicity, income, or other barriers.

To be eligible, applicants must ensure their project takes place within Seattle and benefits Seattle residents. While individuals and groups based just outside the city may apply, out-of-state applicants or those outside the Greater Seattle area are not eligible. Organizations currently funded through the Centering Art & Racial Equity (C.A.R.E.), Youth Arts, or Neighborhood and Community Arts programs are not eligible. Additionally, those who have received funding from the CityArtist program within the past four years are ineligible. While prior recipients of smART Ventures funding may reapply, preference is given to first-time applicants, and funding is limited to a maximum of three awards per applicant.

Projects are evaluated based on key criteria including audience expansion, innovation, community impact, artistic potential, public access, and feasibility. The selection process prioritizes projects that engage with underserved communities and those that do not qualify for other funding programs. There is no requirement to hold a Seattle business license at the time of application, but awardees must obtain one to receive funding. The license fee may be included in the applicant’s project budget.

Awardees receive funding after project completion, with payments processed three to four weeks after all required documents, including invoices and final reports, are submitted. Missing or incomplete documentation may delay payment. Past funded projects have been diverse, with over half of 2014’s 65 funded projects supporting artists and communities of color, differently-abled individuals, LGBTQ+ groups, and other underrepresented populations.

For assistance, applicants can contact Kristi Woo, Creative Youth Development Project Manager at (206) 727-8671 or Kristi.Woo@seattle.gov. Additional support is available through the Office of Arts & Culture at 303 S. Jackson Street, Top Floor, Seattle, WA 98104 or via email at arts.culture@seattle.gov.