ArtsWA has put forward several budget requests for the 2025-2027 Biennial Budget. Read below for summaries of the agency’s requests and links to download informational one-pagers.
Strengthen statewide arts & culture workforce
ArtsWA seeks investment to enhance the arts & culture workforce through professional development, translation services, public art training, and community support. Funding will ensure equitable, sustainable growth and resilience in Washington’s cultural sector.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $310,865 annually
Provide critical funding to arts & culture
The nonprofit sector of Washington’s creative economy faces challenges from pandemic impacts and rising costs. ArtsWA seeks critical funding to support nonprofits, expand arts education, bolster local economies, increase military wellness grants, and improve accessibility.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $4,490,000 annually
Sustain programs and improve accessibility
Hire key staff in communications, outreach, and administration to support operations and activities. Enhance equity through improved website accessibility, staff training, and community engagement.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $1,141,519 annually
Maintain agency CRM system
The legislature has invested $1.2 million in ArtsWA’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. ArtsWA requests ongoing maintenance funds to keep this critical tool up to date.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $385,385 annually
Sustain ongoing arts education research
Washington’s 15-year gap in comprehensive arts education data hurts teachers and students. ArtsWA requests ongoing funding to assess data, trends and impact over time.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $100,000 annually
Make temporary conservation position permanent
The legislature funded a temporary position to care for public art and address the maintenance backlog. ArtsWA requests funding to make this high-impact conservation position permanent.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $154,708
Support the Indigenous creative economy
ArtsWA has identified excessive gaps in access for Indigenous communities, artists, and organizations. ArtsWA requests funding to ensure equity and expand the Tribal Cultural Affairs program.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $11,522,571 annually
Celebrate diverse histories for America’s 250th
ArtsWA’s America 250 Project aims to celebrate diversity, support underserved communities, and inspire future unity through a grant program to spotlight underrepresented histories and heritage.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $550,000 one-time request
Fund Creative District capital projects
Provide current and future Creative Districts the ability to install small-scale capital projects within their Creative Districts. These projects include wayfinding signage, murals, festival streets, and more.
CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST: $416,000 annually
Advance to 1% for Art
Public art enhances community spaces and provides meaningful work for both artists and local vendors. ArtsWA seeks to expand funding from one-half of 1% to a full 1% of building construction costs, with implementation in 2027.
AGENCY REQUEST LEGISLATION: 1% of state-funded building construction costs
