ArtsFund

ArtsFund was proud to be at Americans for the Arts' AFTACON. Michael Greer, President & CEO, joined a panel on governance for the arts of tomorrow. When asked about the role of board members, Michael noted that what's key is having "a set of advisors to help us answer the questions we're asking and being able to get us to solutions." It was great to be in Albuquerque to share ideas, connect, and learn.

ArtsFund wants to acknowledge the passing and celebrate the life of Robert "Bob" Cline. Bob was a friend and supporter of the arts in Seattle, serving as a trustee and chairman of the Seattle Rep as well as a board member and later, board chair of ArtsFund. Under his steady leadership and care, Bob provided stability at nonprofit organizations across the region, from arts and culture to healthcare. His enthusiasm for board service helped make our community better for generations to come. We are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.

Step into the vibrant world of Celebration of the Arts, where you can mingle with fellow arts and cultural leaders from the philanthropic community in Washington. Discover new connections, be inspired by performances from our Cultural Partners Network, and hear insights from keynote speaker Erin Harkey.

Join us at www.artsfund.org/celebration2026!

Photos by Alabastro Photography

At ArtsFund, we believe a successful arts and culture sector must be more than stable — it must be thriving. One of the most important investments we can make in that future is supporting strong arts leadership and a resilient creative workforce. That commitment is why ArtsFund continues to invest in leadership development and capacity-building programs, including our Board Leadership Training and Convenings.

Join us in building a thriving arts community with strong leaders by making a gift to ArtsFund today at www.artsfund.org/donate.

Photo by Alboroz Kamalizad

🎉 7 New Groups Joined our Cultural Partners Network in 2026

We are excited to welcome the newest organizations to our network. Your impactful programming and dedication continue to inspire us and enrich Washington's arts community.

Asé Theatre
Bainbridge Performing Arts
Cascadia Art Museum
Living Voices
Partners in Print
Rain City Rock Camp
Tacoma Little Theatre

To learn more about our Cultural Partners Network, please visit https://www.artsfund.org/cultural-partners/.

Unrestricted support, like the Community Accelerator Grant, is especially vital for programs that generate deep community impact without significant earned revenue. Wooden O, Seattle Shakespeare’s long-running free outdoor summer series, exemplifies this challenge.

“When you don't have access to specialized funding for something, then you need that general operating support,” Institutional Development Officer Annie Lareau adds, to direct funds where they are needed most critically. When so much across the sector feels uncertain, investing in a program as enduring as Wooden O signals a deliberate choice to honor Seattle theatre’s past while building toward what comes next.

Read more at https://www.artsfund.org/union-arts-center-2025-accelerator-case-study-2/

Photos by Giao Nguyen, courtesy of ACT Theatre

Celebration of the Arts welcomes all who want to connect with artists, supporters, and leaders from cultural, philanthropic, and business circles. Join us to meet new people, have great conversations, and enjoy the creativity that makes our state special.

For the most up-to-date information about Celebration of the Arts, please visit https://www.artsfund.org/celebration2026/.

Applications for the 2026 Creative Equity Fund are open!

❇️: Apply at www.artsfund.org/creative-equity-fund
📅:The deadline to submit an application is Friday, June 12, at at 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please visit our website!

ABOUT
The Creative Equity Fund supports organizations led by and serving communities historically most removed from large-scale philanthropy (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities) that employ arts and culture to build a healthier, more equitable, and more creative King County. Three grantees will receive transformational three-year grants of $210,000—$70,000 per year for three years—paired with grantee-led cohort learning. This funding is unrestricted.

In places like Othello, organizations such as the The Old Hotel are not supplementing arts education but replacing it, often with fewer resources and greater financial vulnerability. Their largest annual income source, a fundraising auction, was months away, and funding was running out.

"The moment the Community Accelerator Grant arrived, it truly kept our doors open." - Samantha Copas, Director

Read more at https://www.artsfund.org/the-old-hotel-art-gallery-2025-accelerator-case-study/

Photos courtesy of the Old Hotel Art Gallery

🎉 Two New Leaders Join ArtsFund's Board

We are thrilled to have these professionals join our Board and look forward to working together to achieve our mission of building a healthier, more creative Washington.

Please join us in welcoming:

✨ Jane Broom
✨ Jose Quintana