Materials

Prior Guidelines

For reference, here are the guidelines from the most recent application. They are also available in these languages:

Manage your award

Log in to your account

The Artists at the Center application is on the new Citywide grants platform (FLUXX) that will produce a better experience for applicants and align with the City's race and social justice values by providing more equity in opportunities for artists and communities of color. Applicants will be able to submit applications and manage their awards by creating or logging into their accounts at the City of Seattle Grants Portal.

If you are managing an award for an organization or group and think they may already be in the system, please reach out to the program manager at Zach.Frimmel@seattle.gov.

Documents

Getting the Word Out

Want to get the word out about your arts, cultural event, or exhibit? Here are some tips on sending out information to the public and local media.

Gather all the details: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.\
Gather graphics and photos for publicity. Work with a designer on the look and any printed materials.
Write a press release and/or prepare a press kit and send it to the media.

Social Media

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Also, be sure you’re signed up for our email newsletter.
Post about your grant/event/program, and tag us. When you tag us, we get notified and can boost.
The sooner you tell your Project Manager about your event, the more likely we’ll be able to fit it into our social media calendar.
If you have promo materials, please remember to send anything you have produced (press releases, postcards, brochures, etc.) to your Project Manager. These items should include the Office of Arts & Culture name and/or logo.

We recommend circulating these items at least two weeks prior to your event to increase awareness and attendance.

The Press Release

Press releases inform the media about your event and can inspire them to publish a calendar listing or even cover the event. Search the internet for a description and walkthough of how to write a press release.

Try to let the media know what makes your event unique or relevant.
Be genuine. Exaggeration or inaccuracy will only hurt your chances of being a reliable media source. The more a press release reads like an actual news article, the better. Many smaller publications love releases they can print verbatim.
Press releases should look professional and be easy to read.
Make sure your organization's name, address, website, and contact information are visible.
Include the media contact's name, direct phone line, and e-mail address near the top of the first page.
Include a "pull date" (the last date of the event) near the top of the first page.
Include a headline that summarizes the event and invites people to read the details.
All the most pertinent information should be included in the first paragraph - the five W's. Who is presenting, What, Where, and When? Why should people attend? Include information on how people can attend, location, website, e-mail, and phone.
Additional paragraphs can provide more descriptive information about the event, artists involved, and quotes.
Use your mission statement or general description of the organization at the end of the press release.
If the press release is longer than one page, write "-More-" at the bottom of each page. At the end of the last page, include "# # #" to indicate the end of the release.

The Press Kit

Press kits provide useful background information for members of the press writing previews or reviews of your arts or cultural event. A press kit should be organized in a folder and generally includes:

1) Organization Information (front to back on the left side of the folder)

Mission statement
Brief organizational history
Organizational brochure
Feature articles on the organization or lead staff
Board list
Business card for media contact

2) Specific Event Information (front to back on the right side of the folder)

Press release for the event
Photos or artwork related to the event
Event postcard or flyer
Event program
Artists' bios, if not in the program
Preview articles about the event

Note: Do not include reviews of the event or previous events in the press packet. Most reviewers do not want to be influenced by the opinions of others.

Online calendars

There are numerous websites with online events calendars to use to publicize your event. Here are a few:

Daily and Weekly Papers

Send your press releases to local newspapers. Here are some of the dailies and weekly papers to begin with.

Neighborhood Newspapers

International Examiner - Contact
Northwest Asian Weekly - Contact
Pacific Publishing Company serves the University District, Ravenna, Roosevelt, Laurelhurst, Sand Point, Wedgewood, Wallingford, Fremont, Phinney Ridge, Green Lake, Greenwood, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Madison Park, Broadmoor, Washington Park, Madrona, Madison Valley, Leschi, Capitol Hill, First Hill, Beacon Hill, Mt. Baker, South Hill, International District, and Kirkland
Westside Seattle publishes Ballard News Tribune, West Seattle Herald, and The Highline Times - Contact

Radio

Most radio stations accept a written public service announcement (PSA). Some will take a pre-recorded PSA. Check the website of the radio station you think best matches your audience. Many stations belong to the Puget Sound Broadcasters Association or Washington State Association of Broadcasters. Both organizations list links to their members.

Television

Seattle Channel, the city's municipal television channel, is committed to covering local arts and culture. Art Zone with Nancy Guppy on the Seattle Channel specifically covers the local art scene.

Local television stations are: