Summary:

The City of Seattle has invested $1.3m in new funding to activate public spaces and celebrate local culture through World Cup 2026 neighborhood celebrations and a series of downtown arts initiatives. The funding supports cultural events in all seven council districts and launches a downtown-wide arts project, "We Still Dream a Future," featuring performances, installations, and exhibitions. The World Cup 2026 Community Celebrations program awarded $485,000 to 13 organizations and one community group to organize watch parties, cultural festivals, and neighborhood activations. The Office of Arts and Culture awarded $769,000 for "We Still Dream a Future," a series of public art activations and exhibitions throughout the downtown core.

The City of Seattle announced nearly $1.3 million in new investments Tuesday to activate public spaces, celebrate local culture and bring communities together through World Cup 2026 neighborhood celebrations and a series of downtown arts initiatives. The funding supports cultural events in all seven council districts and launches a downtown-wide arts project, “We Still Dream a Future,” featuring performances, installations and exhibitions.

“These investments will help fuel the creative energy that is foundational to our city’s spirit,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “From the U District to Delridge to the Central District and downtown, every corner of our city will be filled with experiences that connect and showcase the vibrant, welcoming and fun Seattle we love.”

The World Cup 2026 Community Celebrations program awarded $485,000 to 13 organizations and one community group to organize watch parties, cultural festivals and neighborhood activations. The funding ensures that communities throughout Seattle, not just those near stadium venues, are part of the city’s World Cup experience.

Recipients by district include:

• District 1: Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, Duwamish Tribal Services, Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association

• District 2: El Centro de la Raza, Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle

• District 3: ARTE NOIR, BeautyBoiz, LANGSTON

• District 4: U District Advocates

• District 5: Lake City Collective

• District 6: Ballard Alliance, Fremont Arts Council

• District 7: Native ACTION Network

“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Seattle for this visionary investment in our communities,” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026. “By ensuring that every neighborhood, not just those near the stadium, can host celebrations and cultural experiences, the City is broadening the benefit of the World Cup to reach all residents. These investments in local artists, cultural organizations and neighborhood activations mean that this once-in-a-generation moment will reach every corner of our city.”

The Office of Arts and Culture awarded $769,000 for “We Still Dream a Future,” a series of public art activations and exhibitions throughout the downtown core, including the Chinatown-International District, Pioneer Square, Stadium District and areas around Union Station and King Street Station. Grants were made through Downtown Activation funds and the Hope Corps initiative, which supports creative workers and free community programming.

Hope Corps awardees include Akoiya Harris, Massive Monkees, Living Voices, The Residency and Friends of Little Saigon. ARTS at King Street Station awards will support organizations such as Khu.éex’, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat, and Common Area Maintenance. Exhibition recipients include Delbert Richardson, Ashley Ponce and Split Six Productions.

“These projects will amplify the voices of our local artists and ensure that Seattle remains a place of imagination, connection and hope, especially in these challenging times,” said Gülgün Kayim, director of the Office of Arts and Culture.

“These activations use art to speak about personal history, experiences and dreams for the future,” said Alicia Mullikin, ARTS at King Street Station advisor. “Each selected artist has a unique story to tell, and I am looking forward to seeing them all come to life.”

Councilmember Rob Saka of District 1 said the events will bring neighbors together in meaningful ways.

“Across Delridge, West Seattle and South Park, neighbors and community will be gathering to celebrate our wonderfully diverse cultures and the World Cup,” said Saka. “I hope to see you there.”

Projects were selected through community-led processes. “We Still Dream a Future” grantees were chosen by advisors to ARTS at King Street Station. World Cup celebration proposals were identified through a collaborative process involving the Office of Arts and Culture, Seattle Center, Office of Economic Development, Department of Neighborhoods and City Council, with final selections made by professionals experienced in arts and cultural production.