Festivals and events color the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods. Community groups presenting a neighborhood arts or cultural event in 2012 can apply for funding through the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs’ Neighborhood & Community Arts program.

The funding program helps Seattle’s neighborhood art councils and community-based groups produce annual festivals and events that enhance the visibility of neighborhoods, promote cultural participation, celebrate diversity and build community through arts and culture.

Neighborhood arts councils and community-based groups may seek support for a recurring festival or event that has been in existence for at least one year, has a significant arts and cultural component, is open to the public and takes place in Seattle. Applicants are not required to have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status.

Funded organizations each receive $1,200 to support direct project expenses, including artist fees, marketing and promotional fees, venue and equipment rentals or other production-related expenses. Funds may not be used for fundraising or organizational administrative expenses. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Oct. 26. Link to the online application at http://www.seattle.gov/arts.

Pick up some pointers on putting together a successful application at an information session, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the Douglass-Truth Branch of The Seattle Public Library, 2300 East Yesler Way. RSVP to Paul Rucker at paul.rucker@seattle.gov or (206) 684-7084 by Friday, Sept. 30.

A 2010 National Endowment for the Arts study of outdoor arts festivals – Live from Your Neighborhood – underscores the value of community-based events. They are accessible. family-friendly, involve exceptional numbers of volunteers, strengthen community identity and attract diverse participants who wouldn’t necessarily cross paths otherwise.

In 2011, the funding program provided $1,200 each to 40 organizations to support annual public festivals and events, including the Wedgwood Art Festival, Moisture Festival, Bastille Day Festival and Iranian Festival.

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle. The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the city agency.