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Overview

Participation Pathways

We are offering two participation pathways as part of this application. While you may apply for multiple pathways, you will only be selected for one. We suggest you apply to the pathway that best fits where you are now.

Application Timeline

April 21 — Applications Open
April 28 — Virtual Info Session
May 9 — Applications Close
May 12-May 16 — Selection Panel Review Period
May 19-May 23 — Artist Residency Interviews (via Zoom) & Notice of Acceptance for Installation Applicants
May 26–May 28 — Artist Residency Final Selections and Notification
June 2–6 — Move In for Selected Applicants
June 9 — Open to the public
*These dates are subject to change.

locations

There is an emphasis to place applicants in Downtown neighborhoods, including Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and Belltown.

Our Lake City location will be placing three artists into the Artist Residency and two artists into window installations in September, 2025. Please indicate in the application if you are interested in being placed in Lake City.

Benefits & Requirements

Benefits

• Receive financial support and a no-cost lease
• Find new audiences and customers across Seattle 
• Contribute to efforts that revitalize commercial and community spaces
• Be included in a citywide media campaign, including digital, print, and radio
• Receive professional photography to document your Seattle Restored participation
• Access to artist and entrepreneur business support and events
• Connect with local artists and entrepreneurs
• Participate in neighborhood art walks

eligibility

In order to participate in Seattle Restored you must:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have no existing studios or other retail locations, not including home studios, pop-ups, markets, or production facilities (artist residency participants only)
• Have not received more than $20,000 in funding from the Seattle Office of Economic Development between 2022-2024

Participation Requirements

Selected participants will be required to:
• Complete a Seattle Restored participant contract
• Attend a program orientation session
• Create a participant profile page on the Seattle Restored website
• Complete pre- and post-participation surveys
• Attend regular check-ins with Seattle Restored program managers
• Residency artists must be at the residency and open to the public for a minimum of 24 hours/week
• Complete monthly sales reports
• Provide W-9 form and invoices as needed  
• Sign an acknowledgment that non-compliance with program requirements may result in the immediate termination of your activation
• Hold City of Seattle Business License. If earning more than $12,000/year, a Washington State Business License/Unified Business Identifier (UBI) is also required. If you don’t have one yet, we encourage you to begin the process before applying. Seattle Restored will support accepted participants in obtaining required licenses as needed.

participation acknowledgments

As a Seattle Restored participant, you will:
• Have your name and business associated with the Seattle Restored program, Seattle Office of Economic Development, Seattle Good Business Network, Shunpike, and any private funders
• Promote your participation in the program through social media, website promotion, and the display of a Seattle Restored branded A-board, window cling, and postcards at your location
• Be responsible for costs related to security, additional tenant improvement, staffing, production, marketing, parking, etc. (if applicable)
• Discuss any significant renovations, 3rd party leasing, or programming not outlined in your initial application with your program lead prior to implementation
• Secure all licenses and permits as required including change of use permits, construction permits, alcohol service permits, and large event permits 
• Share monthly foot-traffic data as requested (if applicable)

selection criteria and review process

In partnership with Seattle Restored staff, a community advisory panel will review and score applications. The community advisory panel will consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring valuable perspectives to the decision-making process.

Please note that while your proposal may be selected by our committee, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to match you with a property. 

evaluation criteria

Compelling: Is the proposal thorough and thoughtful? Does the applicant clearly communicate the project and provide proof of business experience or professional artist practice?

Impact: Will the proposal provide a social and/or public benefit for the local community? 

Readiness: What is the proposal’s status and viability?

Equity: Is the business Woman and/or Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) owned, and/or does the project serve women/BIPOC communities?

Experience: Does the proposal demonstrate that the business owner or creative entrepreneur has the necessary experience to implement their proposed project?

interviews

For artist residency submissions, high-scoring applicants will proceed to a virtual interview with Seattle Restored. Residency interviews will take place via Zoom the week of May 19th.

Resources

Additional Questions?

Contact us a info@seattlerestored.org.