Cultural Tourism Marketing Initiative
Deadline: passed  Contact: Debra Twersky 206 205.8558
theater simple, Wonderland, 2011 Michelle Bates

Seal's Motel, Aurora Ave, Seattle © 4Culture

Almost every year, King County is host to a cultural exhibit, performance, festival or program with appeal beyond local audiences.

4Culture would like to support the marketing efforts of the producers of these special arts or cultural events to increase awareness about the events outside the immediate region and draw audiences to King County for overnight stays. 4Culture actively supports initiatives that put "heads in beds" to partner with the lodging and hospitality industries in King County. This is a pilot program that may be renewed or extended to future cycles.

Guidelines and Process for 2012 Program Below  |  Deadline: passed

pdf sample guidelines

Who Can Apply

Applicant eligibility 

  • NON-PROFIT STATUS: Applicants must be 501(c)3 tax exempt arts, heritage, scientific or cultural organizations with a three year history of providing cultural programs in King County.
  • MARKETING DOLLARS: To be eligible, applicants must have allocated resources to market the event or exhibition beyond the region.
  • ATTENDANCE: Projected attendance for the exhibition or event seeking support through this tourism initiative must be at least 100,000 and applicants must be able to substantiate estimates. A significant portion of the attendees should come from sufficient distances to require an overnight stay.
  • RARE OR UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY: The event or activity must represent a one-time opportunity to experience a major cultural event, not an annual program with special appeal. Projects will not be funded more than one time
  • ECONOMIC IMPACT: Applicants must be able to demonstrate estimated impact of the event on the local economy (# of attendees coming from a distance to require a room stay with ancillary benefits including meals and retail shopping.)
  • PARTNERSHIPS: Applicant organizations must be able to describe collaborations or support from traditional marketing and tourism promoters: the Seattle CVB; Washington Tourism Alliance; Washington State Lodging Association or Seattle Hotel Association; Seattle or King County Chamber of Commerce, for example.
  • TIMELINESS FOR APPLICANT PROJECT: Applicants must apply for funds within one year of the project's opening date, and must complete the project within 18 months.

All applicants must contact staff prior to preparing an application to discuss eligibility and timing.

What We Fund

Project eligibility 

4Culture expects to make 3 – 5 awards in this program, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000

Projects MUST:

  • Offer public benefits and be accessible to the citizens of King County
  • Begin no earlier than January 1, 2012 and be completed by October 1, 2013.
  • Be directly related to the mission of the applicant group

4Culture support MAY include the following:

  • Support marketing and promotion expenses targeted for audiences outside the Puget Sound region, including print, online or media production
  • Support outreach efforts to provide access for underserved audiences, including people of color, low-income people, and English-language learners

4Culture funds MAY NOT be used to support:

  • CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION done as part of a major cultural attraction
  • ANNUAL EVENTS OR THEIR COMPONENTS that draw audiences from beyond the region, though they are important resources for cultural tourism, are not eligible for support from this program
  • GRAND OPENINGS: While it is exciting to open major new venues for arts, heritage or cultural organizations, these celebratory one-day events are ineligible
Confused by language we use? Check out our glossary of terms

When

2012 Program Deadline: passed 

Add to Google | Outlook | iCal 

Projects or portions thereof that are funded through this initiative may begin no earlier than January 1, 2012.

2012 Application Review Timeline

The following is an approximate schedule.

  • Mar: 4Culture staff review proposals and talk with each applicant. A review panel will convene to evaluate projects and recommend funding for the most highly ranked projects from among the applications submitted.
  • Apr: The panel's funding recommendations are forwarded to the 4Culture Executive Committee for approval. The Executive Committee reviews and makes its recommendations to the 4Culture Board of Directors. The Board of Directors approves the recommendations and the award recipients will receive formal notification from 4Culture.
  • May: Each award recipient will then work with the Program Coordinator to develop a contract that governs the payment of funds. Award recipients will be required to meet recipient obligations. Funds become available after contracts are signed and submitted with all necessary documents.

Public Benefit Requirement

Funds for this program are derived from a portion of Lodging Tax revenues collected in King County. Because of this, groups funded through this program must provide some kind of public benefit to the citizens of King County. The following are examples of services:

  • Free/discounted admissions to project or its related events: performances, exhibitions, workshops, screenings, lectures
  • Presenting project-related events outside of the Seattle metropolitan area, in suburban or rural King County.
  • Free access to educational components or project related activities, or free school or other outreach activities planned as part of the project
  • Creation of free, accessible materials including publications, recordings and electronic files.

Organizations awarded funds through this program will be required to submit a report documenting the project and evaluating its tourism impacts.

How

Selection process and criteria 

Review Process

Applications to this Tourism/Marketing initiative will be reviewed by staff for eligibility, accuracy, and completeness. 4Culture staff will facilitate panel review of your application. This panel may be made up of representatives from King County cultural organizations, arts agencies and tourism/lodging representatives. Awards will be based on:

  • Project's uniqueness
  • Capacity of project plan to effectively draw visitors from outside region
  • Strength of partnerships with tourism/hospital industry
  • Commitment to outreach and extent of public benefits

Requirements and appeals

Learn about the legal requirements of award recipients, and about the process for appeal of a 4Culture award here.

FAQ

  • Q: I have a new facility opening at the end of 2012 with a series of major events. Is my project eligible?
  • A: This initiative is not designed to support new organizations opening new facilities.
  • Q: I am a Sustained Support recipient. Am I an eligible applicant?
  • A: Yes, all non-profit cultural organizations in King County who have a three year operating history are eligible to apply.
  • Q: We have not selected our marketing consultant or finalized our budget. Can we apply?
  • A: Yes, you can submit proposed or draft plans, and update staff as you finalize.

Ready to Apply

How to submit your application 

STEP 1 - Read all of the above sections!

STEP 2 - Prepare your information before you apply online. This section contains guidance on how to prepare your online application, and the support materials you are required to submit with your application.

Required Support Materials

File Uploads Required

The following two file uploads are required as part of your application. Applications without the following uploaded documents will be considered incomplete.

1. Project Budget

You must provide a one page summary of your project income and expense to 4Culture. The budget should include a breakout of the costs associated with promotion and outreach for the project. You may use your own format for this document. Upload it as part of the application.

2. Tourism/Marketing Plan

You must provide a one page summary of your marketing plan in any format. Efforts to reach audiences outside of the Puget Sound region, and fees associated with consultants, media purchases, etc. as well as expectations for various categories of audiences should be included. You may use your own format for this document. Upload it as part of the application.

Optional Support Materials

3. Optional Project Information

You are welcome to submit an additional a one page of information that you think will help clarify the outreach or tourism aspects of your project. You may use your own format for this document. Upload it as part of the application.

If you need to submit more than one page of additional information, please contact staff and arrange to submit it directly. Thanks.

 

STEP 3 - Sign in to fill out your application

Note: Once you have started the process of applying online, you can click "save" after each step in the application, sign out, and your application will remain saved as a draft. Please make sure you have prepared all documents to be uploaded prior to completing the application. You can then return to your application any time before the deadline to continue working or to make changes by signing in with the username and password you created. Once you click "submit," you will still be able to see your application but you will not be able to make any more changes.

For technical questions about the online application system, contact staff member Debra Twersky at 206 205.8558.

This funding opportunity is currently closed. We will reopen the application for this opportunity at least 6 weeks before the next deadline.