The funder's mission is to utilize Lodging Tax revenues for cultural community benefits in King County. They aim to return these funds to the community, supporting local arts, heritage, preservation, and public art. Their mission encompasses enhancing public access to culture and the arts, and addressing geographic and funding disparities to ensure support reaches a wide range of communities, especially underrepresented ones.
Open 4Culture is designed to support arts, heritage, and preservation projects within King County, specifically targeting new applicants to 4Culture. It offers grants up to $2,500 for projects in Seattle’s Communities of Opportunity or anywhere in the county for heritage or preservation work. The program prioritizes projects created by or for underserved communities, those that offer innovative approaches, and are publicly accessible. Feasibility, clear use of funds, and public benefit are key evaluation criteria. Competitive applications will propose spending on materials, fees for professionals and artists, equipment and facility rentals, and other specified costs. Additionally, Open 4Culture focuses on equitable distribution of funds by considering structural inequities in its review process, aiming for a broader inclusion within King County’s cultural funding.