The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs is accepting project applications for its Youth Arts program. The program supports arts training opportunities for Seattle’s middle and high school youth outside of school hours in a variety of artistic disciplines, including visual and literary arts, theater, music, dance and film.

Individual teaching artists, artist teams, arts and cultural organizations, and youth-service agencies with nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship are eligible to apply. Youth Arts prioritizes youth or communities with limited or no access to the arts. Funding awards may range up to $10,000 for projects that will take place between September 2012 and September 2013.

“Arts training provides positive outlets, encourages creative expression and helps our young people succeed in learning and in life,” said Vincent Kitch, director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, in a press release. “The arts are an essential ingredient in a complete education and play an important role in developing the next generation of engaged leaders.”

In the most recent funding cycle, the Youth Arts program awarded $160,000 to 48 artists, cultural organizations and community organizations serving youth. The average award was $3,333. It's estimated the projects will engage 8,697 young people in about 44,000 hours of after-school arts training throughout the city.

Applicants can learn about the Youth Arts program at an upcoming informational workshop. Staff will also offer feedback on draft applications at two review sessions.

Program and Application Overview
Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Beacon Hill Branch, The Seattle Public Library, 2821 Beacon Ave. S.
Learn about the program and online application, plus meet and get advice from past award recipients. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. No registration required.

A link to the online application is available at http://www.seattle.gov/arts. The application deadline is 11 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. For information, contact Irene Gómez at (206) 684-7310 or irene.gomez@seattle.gov.

Schedule a 15-minute appointment with a project manager to receive feedback on your draft application. Advance registration is required. Contact Irene Gomez at irene.gomez@seattle.gov or (206) 684-7310. Space is limited.

Application Draft Review Session 1
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, 3 to 5 p.m.
Coyote Central, 2300 E. Cherry St.

Application Draft Review Session 2
Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, 2 to 4 p.m.
Montlake Branch, The Seattle Public Library, 2401 24th Ave. E.