ArtsWA has put forward several budget requests for the 2024 Supplemental Budget. Read below for summaries of the agency’s requests and links to download informational one-pagers.
Modernize funding for the State Arts Commission
ArtsWA has been the state’s primary instrument for targeted investment in the creative economy for over 60 years. Washington’s creative economy and population have grown considerably in the intervening decades, but agency funding has not. ArtsWA proposes a $2-per-capita funding model to fully and sustainably support Washington arts & culture into the future.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $9,285,000 annually
Increase Art in Public Places to 1% for art for a more beautiful Washington State
Washington’s Art in Public Places has enriched thousands of public spaces around the state. As the program celebrates 50 years of beautifying the state, ArtsWA requests that funding move from its 1974-level of 1/2 of 1% to a full “1% for art.”
CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST: 1% of state-funded building construction costs
Support Washington teachers and students with statewide arts education research
Educational leaders and and teachers rely on data to inform strategic planning and implement legislation like SB 5878. Robust research will identify gaps in access to quality arts learning and propose data-driven interventions to restore student access.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $100,000 annually
Transform the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards into a sustainable statewide investment
The Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards are a vital touchpoint between the Governor’s office and creative sector leaders. ArtsWA proposes ongoing funding for the annual event and grant-style awards for Award honorees to continue and deepen their work.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $300,000 annually
Protect Washington’s investment in world-class, community-enriching public art
The State has already removed almost 250 artworks from the Collection due to damage. ArtsWA requests funding for a small team of technicians that understand art materials and techniques to safeguard this $45 million investment from erasure.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $315,000 annually
Evolve data management and strategic insight at the Washington State Arts Commission
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution will usher in a new era of efficiency at ArtsWA and surface critical data about the creative economy, serving constituents more efficiently, saving taxpayer dollars and advancing strategic direction.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $888,998.01
Protect the physical and mental health of Washington’s aging population
ArtsWA and its partners aim to address Washington’s aging population by training a workforce of Teaching Artists to deliver creative aging programming, a technique proven to help older adults reach physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST: $200,000 annually
Repair State-owned artworks in 13 Washington counties
ArtsWA will conserve state-owned public art at K-12 schools, on college and university campuses, and agency facilities. They represent significant and highly visible artworks—most are outdoor sculptures—across 13 communities and 12 legislative districts.
CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST: $984,555
