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Arts and Culture Grants

Please note the 2024 application period for this grant has closed. View 2024 grant recipients here.

Arts and Culture Grants will support the promotion and management of artistic and cultural forms of expression as tourism assets. These include art shows, concerts, festivals and events, as well as museums, historic sites, cultural institutes, and creative districts. Arts and Culture Grants aim to boost the local economy by attracting overnight visitors who are interested in experiencing the artistic and cultural offerings of a people and a place while mitigating any negative impacts on residents, social services, and public infrastructure. 

Tourism stakeholders may request up to $30,000 in grant funding for a variety of projects, including but not limited to the following categories: 

Festivals and Events 
This grant program will aid the planning and management of new (less than three years old) arts and cultural-based festivals and events that drive overnight stays and visitor spending for destination communities. 

Public Art Installations 
Funding for public art projects, murals, sculptures, and other artistic displays that enhance the visual appeal of public spaces and foster a sense of place. 

Marketing and Promotion 
Grants may be allocated to marketing campaigns to promote a destination as a hotspot for arts and culture, attracting visitors interested in immersive cultural experiences. 

Cultural Heritage Tourism 

Local governments, tribes, chambers of commerce, destination organizations, performing art centers, visual arts organizations, and other nonprofit organizations that support travel and tourism are eligible to apply. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to match a portion of their grant request with cash or in-kind contributions. Grant funds from SWT should not pay for staff salaries, debt, or interest payments associated with eligible projects. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to collaborate with local destination marketing organizations and industry partners on eligible projects. 

2024 Application Timeline 

March 15 – April 15: Application period | View the recorded info session  

April 15 – May 15: A review committee of industry experts will evaluate the leading applications. 

May 15: Award recipients will be notified by email. | View the full list of recipients.

June 15: Estimated date grant funds will be made available. Grantees have one year to expend the funds. 

Stipulations for Working with Contractors 

Tourism Stakeholders should express an intention to seek contract work from a third party without naming a vendor. When describing the work, applicants should specify deliverables and the desired qualifications of vendors.  

Applicants must also abide by the following stipulations as outlined by the Washington State Department of Commerce:  

If a micro-purchase (up to $10,000) 

If a small purchase ($10,001 – $30,000) 

For purchases above $30,000 (or $40,000 if using a certified small or veteran-owned business), applicants will need to follow the federal procurement process outlined in 2 CFR 200 procurement. 

Applicants awarded grant funds must submit all contracts/contractors involved with each project to SWT for review and approval. Contractors must be billed on a reimbursement basis after services are rendered. If applicable, some eligible expenses can only be covered at OFM reimbursement rates. 

Reporting Requirements  

Grantees must submit two reports (an interim and a final evaluation) and comply with quarterly check-in meetings for the duration of the grant project. If awardees fail to submit an evaluation, their consideration for future grants may be adversely affected.  

The project evaluation should include: 

Be sure to view the FAQ for this grant program as well as the application portal FAQ. For additional questions, contact Tamara Rice at tamara@stateofwatourism.com. 

These funds are made possible through a federal grant from the Economic Development Administration, awarded to State of Washington Tourism by the Washington State Department of Commerce for tourism industry pandemic recovery.