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We Still Dream a Future: Call for Downtown Activations & Exhibitions in 2026
About This Opportunity
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture invites individual artists, cultural producers, arts administrators, creative workers, community groups, and arts and cultural organizations of all sizes to propose projects activating public spaces in Downtown Seattle in 2026. With the unifying theme of We Still Dream a Future, this call invites arts proposals of two types: 1. Exhibitions inside ARTS at King Street Station (KSS) 2. Activations and installations at King Street Station Plaza, Union Station Plaza and other public spaces in the Chinatown-International District, Pioneer Square, and Stadium District Developed in partnership with Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan, this call for proposals addresses key civic priorities by empowering creative workers to build community and spark new arts experiences downtown. By offering free, engaging programming throughout the year, especially during peak visitation periods, this initiative enriches the city’s cultural landscape, providing inspiring experiences for residents and visitors alike. This funding opportunity builds upon our ongoing artist- and community-led programming through ARTS at King Street Station and Hope Corps. It expands on the Hope Corps framework, which fosters economic opportunity for Seattle’s creative workforce, and aligns with ARTS at King Street Station’s mission to increase opportunities for communities of color to create and present their work. Beyond funding, awardees will benefit from a Community of Practice, a dynamic network offering regular workshops, social opportunities, and platforms to share their work and deepen their connections to Downtown Seattle and the arts ecosystem.
Restrictions
You are eligible to apply for funding if you meet the following criteria: * You are an individual artist, organization, or community-based group located in, or presenting work regularly in, Seattle. * Organizations and individual artists representing communities most impacted by systemic oppression including low-income, people with disabilities, immigrant and refugee communities, and communities of color are encouraged to apply. * You have not received funding from us for a previous iteration of this proposed project within the last 3 years. * You are not currently receiving Downtown Activation Plan-related funding from us for projects taking place in 2026. * You may apply for more than one project type, for example, you may submit separate proposals for an exhibition at KSS and an activation outdoors. But you may not submit more than one proposal for an exhibition or an activation.
What's Offered
Additional Resources
Community of Practice, a dynamic network offering regular workshops, social opportunities, and platforms to share their work and deepen their connections to Downtown Seattle and the arts ecosystem.