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Staff reports progress on Art & Culture Capital Facility grants; several grantees nearing completion
Summary
Staff told the commission the new capital facility grant program (two-year budget noted at $1.8 million) awarded five applicants; contracts are mostly signed and grantees (including KidsQuest, Theater 33, APAT, and Carlson Theater) are progressing through construction, permitting and invoicing windows tied to 2026 deadlines.
Staff updated the Arts Commission on the first-year rollout of the Art & Culture Capital Facility grant program and progress toward closing grantee contracts.
Minette (S5) said the program has a two‑year budget noted at $1.8 million and that five applicants were awarded through the allocations process. Two remaining contracts have been signed or are in process of signing, she said, and staff have been working to ensure grantees can invoice within the program timing. “KidsQuest, who we awarded $400,000 to, finished up super quick,” Minette said, reporting the KidsQuest renovation portion is closed out and the organization has a city sign in its updated space.
Minette reviewed other grantees. Theater 33 received a capital grant for construction and a maintenance grant to improve HVAC and cooling; staff are finalizing paperwork to allow reimbursement for eligible work going back to 2023 and 2024. The American Asian Performing Arts Theater (APAT) received a $600,000 award for a new dance studio and is progressing through permitting with a goal to break ground early next year. Carlson Theater at Bellevue College completed lighting and seating upgrades and staff emphasized making the facility available to the community under nonprofit rental rates.
Staff noted that the program’s contracts generally end in 2026 and grantees must invoice by year-end 2026; contract amendments are possible only in rare cases. Staff said they will coordinate scheduling and other grants so that applicants can combine funding streams when appropriate.
Commissioners asked when the next round would be; staff said the program will cover the next two years and that the next application period is unlikely before 2027 given budgeting and internal timelines.
