September 2021

Contact: info@arts.wa.gov
Opening October 1 – ReStart Washington
ArtsWA's Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Grant Program
ArtsWA will open the next round of Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery grants on October 1. The ReStart program, made possible by the State of Washington and the United States Treasury, supports the creative sector by stabilizing operations, stimulating rehiring, and relaunching public programs.

Grants are open to arts nonprofits of all sizes. Organizations that can show at least three years of operating history as a nonprofit—or fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit with a 501c3 status—with a mission that includes either arts, heritage, culture, or all three are eligible to apply. Look for more information on ArtsWA’s website in October.
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month! Washington's State Art Collection features over 50 artists with Hispanic heritage. You can explore these artworks on My Public Art Portal. 13% of Washingtonians claim Hispanic heritage and in many areas of Central and Southeastern Washington, that rate is more than 30%. Many of our local art selection committees want art that reflects their communities. These artists and artworks are a part of the fabric of our state’s vibrant communities and cultural identity. They reflect our diverse heritage and perspectives—past, present, and future. 

Photo above: Together We Lift the Sky (2020) by Eileen Jimenez, located at North Hill Elementary, Des Moines, WA.
Save the date - November 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) Convening
ArtsWA has a new name for our Creative Forces community arts and military program. The Wellness, Arts, and the Military program, or WAM, is designed specifically for arts and cultural organizations interested in developing programs for Washington's military-connected populations. 

We've been working with the National Endowment for the Arts since 2017 on building this program for Washington State. It is based on the Creative Forces Healing Arts Network, an NEA initiative that seeks to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations, their families, and caregivers who have been exposed to trauma. Community arts organizations, veteran service organizations, and other stakeholders have worked to develop local programs for Washington's military-connected population.
 
A virtual convening for arts organizations and veteran services organizations interested in this work is scheduled for November 5, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proposed topics will include: 
  • Arts program collaboration and networking 
  • Veteran creative mentor/ suicide prevention training 
  • Veteran engagement and outreach strategies 
  • Update on ArtsWA programs and grants 
Welcome Vet Corps Volunteer - Gabriella Smith
Welcome to Gabriella Smith, a recent Azusa Pacific University graduate with a BA in Commercial Music – Music Business. Gabriella comes to ArtsWA through the AmeriCorps Vet Corps program coordinated by the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. Gabriella is working with Brenda Maltz, the Creative Forces Community Liaison, and ArtsWA staff to expand the Wellness, Arts ,and the Military Program in Washington State.

Photo courtesy of Gabriella Smith.
Follow us on Instagram!

ArtsWA is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Instagram account! Follow @artswa to stay on top of all the work that the agency does to support and celebrate creativity across the state. ArtsWA is also on Facebook and Twitter. You can follow @artswapublicart on Instagram for photos and news about Washington’s public art collection.