Bothell Arts Commission approves 2025–26 creative grant selections, directs staff to finalize details

The Bothell Arts Commission on Sept. 18 approved a slate of grant applicants for the 2025–26 Creative Arts Grant program, awarding funding from a $52,000 state/cultural grant and directing staff to finalize locations, contracts and award amounts.

Danae McGee, the city’s arts liaison and tourism manager, reviewed the grant program guidelines and said the commission received $52,000 in funding and that jurors scored the top 15 applications: "There were 8 applicants that scored a perfect score and 7 applicants scored just below that," McGee said. The commission heard short presentations and budget summaries for the top-ranked proposals and then prioritized projects for funding.

Why it matters: The commission’s awards determine which individual artists and small cultural projects receive municipal support and where temporary public art will be placed in downtown Bothell as portions of lots E, F and G are activated for community use. Commissioners emphasized balancing funding across visual arts, music, literature and community-based programs while preserving staff flexibility to confirm site availability and contract terms.

Most important decisions - The commission agreed to advance the top-tier applicants for funding and to pursue several near-top projects that required clarification or negotiation with artists. Projects discussed…