Arts Commission - Grant Funding
Who do we fund?
The Port Townsend Arts Commission (PTAC) can fund either organizations or individuals who are bringing public art experiences to the Port Townsend area.
What is funding available for?
We fund projects that bring the arts to the public, meaning that it funds projects with artistic merit that culminate in some sort of an event that is open to the public. This often means a performance, but it can include things like exhibitions, talks, screenings, or any arts related public project. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged. Each PTAC funded event must have either free entry or at least one pay-what-you-want performance.
Please note that every project must have an event taking place in the calendar year in which it was approved. This can get a little tricky if your event is in early January, so please keep that in mind when you are applying.
When should I submit my application?
We take applications year-round with six opportunities for committee review, so you don’t have to worry about missing a once a year deadline. We review applications in the order in which they are received, and currently, we are able to see nearly all of our applications every other month, in odd months, according to the grant calendar. Be sure to send in your application on or prior to the 20th of the month prior to the review meeting.
In general, we recommend that you apply well in advance of your event. Our meetings are the first Thursday, at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. We ask that applicants plan to attend the meeting in which their grant application will be reviewed so that they can provide a brief overview of the event and answer any questions the committee may have.
Can my event be funded after it’s happened?
In short, no. But we are more likely to fund your next project if you can prove that you have successfully created other events.
I’ve submitted my application, now what?
PTAC will review your application at our next grant review meeting, which is the first Thursday of odd months. You’ll get an invitation to join us for the review processes if your application is going to be reviewed. We highly recommend that you do this, you’ll have a chance to clarify any points we may have questions over, and your passion for your project can help us to see the benefit it will have for our community.
We will make a decision on funding at that meeting, and if you are unable to attend you will be notified of our decision via email.
My application was approved! What happens next?
Congratulations! We know you’ll create something fantastic for our community. Now the city is going to issue you a contract via email requiring your event to happen as indicated. You must return the contract by the date noted in the email. Note that you must include PTAC in your digital and print marketing materials and spoken program at your event (if applicable). After your event takes place you’ll submit an invoice and a follow-up report on the form provided. After you’ve submitted these documents, the city will issue a payment.
I’d like to change elements of the project that you have already approved. What do I need to do to make sure you’ll still fund me?
PTAC needs to be kept in the loop. If you need to make changes to your project that is ok, we understand that sometimes things need to be modified, but in order to be transparent to the community, we need to make sure that those changes are in the public interest. Please email PTAC your changes so that we can discuss them and approve them at the next PTAC meeting.
If you do not let us know about any changes, then we may not be able to release the funds to you for your project.
