Art and culture enthusiasts in Everett have a reason to celebrate as the city has announced the temporary reinstatement of its Cultural Arts Grant program for the year 2025. This development comes after the program's suspension following the defeat of Proposition 1 in August 2024, which left a gap in funding for local arts initiatives.
In a turn of events that's both surprising and welcome, Everett City Councilmember Judy Tuohy is stepping up, allocating $25,000 from her COVID-19 recovery funds to the program. "The arts are a vital part of Everett’s identity, quality of life and our economy,” Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin expressed her optimism about the resurgence of the program, noting its past support for vital community arts, such as instrument repair for low-income students and arts programming for youth and seniors, according to the City's official announcement.
Starting yesterday, the Cultural Arts Grant program began accepting applications from non-profit organizations and neighborhood associations seeking one of the five $5,000 grants. These grants are specifically tailored to fund projects that are free, open to the public, and serve Everett residents—a move that aims to ensure access to everyone. Examples of eligible programs shared by the city include community concerts, arts education, creative workshops, public art projects with community participation, and more.
Everett is now accepting applications for its annual arts grants, open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and recognized city neighborhood associations, with all activities required to take place within city limits. The program supports creative projects that enrich Everett’s cultural scene. Application materials, guidelines, and full program details are available on the city’s arts grants webpage. For help with the process, applicants can reach out to city staff member Tyler Chism via the provided contact email, as noted in the city's statement.
