Hope Corps
This opportunity and experience has shown me I am stronger and more capable than I previously believed, and that collaboration and asking for help in creating is beautiful. So thank you. From the depth of my heart. — J.R. Rhodes
Inspired by the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration, we launched Hope Corps in 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread loss of work and income in the creative sector.
While its focus has shifted each year, one thing has remained the same: Hope Corps supports economic recovery for Seattle's creative workforce by connecting under- and unemployed artists, creative workers, and culture keepers with career opportunities that contribute to the well-being of Seattle.
In addition, Hope Corps awardees benefit from being part of a Community of Practice, with regular convenings offering workshops, networking, and ways to share their work.
2021
Beloved, a mutlimedia and arts-driven campaign, addresses gun vilence as a public health issue. It amplified the message, "Everyone lost to gun violence is someone's Beloved."
2022
Focus areas:
- Public Health
- Mental Health and Healing
- Food Security
- Media, Journalism and Storytelling
- Social Connection and Belonging
- Arts Education
$1.3M awarded to 30 artists and organizations.
2023
Aligning with Mayor Harrell's Many Hands Initiative, nearly 60 murals—temporary and permanent—will dot the city landscape beginning in 2023 and into 2024. $877,000 awarded to artists and organizations to pump art into the heart of Seattle and combat graffiti with paid opportunities to transform neighborhoods throughout the city.
Downtown Seattle Mural Project
Part of Mayor Harrell's Downtown Activation Plan and supported with in-kind contributions from the Office of Economic Development. Six trusted downtown neighborhood associations create approximately 40 murals spanning SODO to Belltown to celebrate Downtown Seattle’s vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment.
Seattle Parks and Recreation Mural Project
18 artists bring temporary murals to life at parks' public restrooms throughout the city. The mural locations span areas outside the Downtown Activation Plan.
2024 - 25
As part of Mayor Harrell's Downtown Activation Plan, $700K in funding is available for projects in 2025 that activate Seattle’s downtown neighborhoods:
- Belltown
- Central Downtown
- Chinatown-International District
- Denny Triangle
- Pioneer Square
- Stadium District
Community Impact
84% of awardees said
"I am confident I can find more stable work/income after this program."
89% said
"I was able to advance my skills or knowledge."
79% said
"I expanded or developed my social and professional network."
$3.75M invested in artists to date
200+ creative workers
60+ projects with individual earnings up to $30K
Media Coverage
- Crosscut - Seattle launches New Deal-inspired income program for artists, 4/21/22
- South Seattle Emerald - Local Groups Focus on Safety Today to Ensure Community Dreams Thrive Tomorrow, 5/15/22
- The Seattle Times - Seattle musician’s project: Songs about the lives of women of color throughout history, 12/2/22
- The Seattle Times - Seattle photographer captures artists in their go-to spots, 1/16/23
Seattle Launches New Deal-Style Jobs Program for Artists
"A study published in January showed that over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, cultural organizations in Washington State decreased their operating budgets by 20%. Nearly half of those organizations cut staff or pay, and employment in the Washington arts industry is still 25% below its pre-pandemic level."
— Elaine Velie, Hyperallergic