Town Hall Seattle’s Venue Access Program is a partnership initiative inviting BIPOC-led arts and culture organizations to utilize Town Hall’s stages throughout our 2023-24 season. Town Hall Seattle, in partnership with 4Culture’s Building for Equity program, created this initiative which aims to address the historic racial inequity in funding for the arts and advance racial equity in the arts and culture sector by increasing the economic viability of BIPOC-led arts and culture organizations. The Venue Access Program will provide a selected organization with free use of Town Hall’s performance space, and the support of our administrative and event staff for the duration of the season.
Town Hall is a performance space best suited for, but not limited to, hosting performances that include music, dance, on-stage conversations, panels, and debates, as well as workshops and meetings. An ideal organization for the Venue Access Program can envision using the Town Hall stage 3-6 times throughout the season (September ‘23-June ‘24) with the possibility extending the partnership beyond one year.
About Town Hall Seattle
Town Hall was founded to be an accessible shared resource for the community: a place where everyone is welcomed, represented, and valued regardless of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, natural origin, religion, disability, size, or class. We understand that many people hold multiple marginalized identities, and we strive for an intersectional approach in our work. Town Hall intends to partner with organizations who have helped shape and grow our region’s unique cultural landscape and who have previously been systematically prevented from acquiring, affording, or being able to utilize space in Seattle. Learn more about our work and mission here.
About Building for Equity
Building for Equity is a new model for 4Culture’s long running Cultural Facilities grant program which provides a unique combination of funding, technical support, and strategic partnerships. Communities that have historically faced barriers to purchasing and stewarding cultural space are at the center of the program. Learn more about Building for Equity and 4Culture here.
Important Dates
- Applications will be accepted starting May 9, 2023 and are due June 2, 2023
- Applicants that fit the criteria will be invited to meet with the selection committee throughout the month of June. The selection committee consists of members of Town Hall’s programming, production, marketing, and administrative teams.
- All applicants will be notified of their status and any next steps by June 30, 2023
Criteria
- BIPOC-led organization with an annual budget of up to $250,000. A BIPOC-led organization is defined as meeting two of the three criteria:
- Executive Director or CEO is a person of color along with the senior leadership/management team
- The Board of Directors is majority (51%) BIPOC
- There is a written and publicized mission or statement that illustrates a commitment to serving communities of color
- 501(c)(3) status and groups or collectives with a fiscal sponsor
- This initiative is provided with support through 4Culture. The partner organization will sign at least a one-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) facilitated by 4Culture with the possibility of a 2-year extension (3-year partnership). Additionally, the partner must meet with 4Culture staff for regular check-ins and assessments at certain milestones.
- Together with Town Hall the selected organization will set and reach a shared equity goal.
Production and Marketing Support
Production Support
- Venue access for The Great Hall (capacity 865) or The Wyncote NW Forum (capacity 300)
- Use of the stage for the day, which would include load-in, rehearsal, program, and strike/load out
- An archive video and audio recording of your event
- An Event Manager to help manage the details of your event, including venue set-up, A/V requirements, floor plan, technical needs, and receptions
- Audio support with access to in-house sound equipment
- Projection support with access to in-house high-quality projectors and screens
- Lighting support with access to pre-programmed stage lighting
- Front of house staff, which would include a house manager and venue event staff
- Box Office service with access to Town Hall’s ticketing system and box office staffing the day of your event
Marketing Support
- Inclusion of event in Town Hall’s monthly print calendar
- Inclusion in an e-mail newsletter
- An event listing on townhallseattle.org
- Social media support
- Space to hang posters in the Town Hall building
- Option of placing postcards and/or other print collateral on our Town Hall membership tables in both lobbies
Please note: To adequately produce and market your public events, all project details must be confirmed 10 weeks before your event date.
Apply
Contact us: Please direct any comments or questions about the Venue Access Program to programming@townhallseattle.org.