King County Gives $2 Million To Music Venues, Arts Organiztions

KING COUNTY, WA — King County has distributed $2 million in federal coronavirus relief funding to local music venues, arts and science organizations. The 62 grants announced this week range from $7,500 to $265,000 and are funded by the CARES Act.

A combined $1 million went to six science organizations, including the Cougar Mountain Zoo, Museum of Flight, Woodland Park Zoological Society, Pacific Science Foundation and the Seattle Aquarium Society.

Nearly three dozen music venues received grants between $10,000 and $40,000, including Seattle's Neptune Theatre, Century Ballroom and Neumos.

Close to two dozen arts organizations received grants between $10,000 and $15,000, including the Bellevue Arts Museum, Kirkland Arts Center and the Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra.

The funds can be used to reimburse several categories of costs accrued since March 1, including payroll, rent, mortgage, healthcare insurance and utility expenses. Organizations may also use the funds to pay for added public health measures necessary for phased reopening plans.

"We must do everything possible to help our small businesses and arts and cultural organizations emerge from this crisis alive, well, and ready to put thousands of people back to work," said Dow Constantine, the King County Executive. "By carefully and thoughtfully helping with rent, payroll and other expenses, we can help ensure that more of our cultural touchstones survive and continue to contribute to the vitality of our region."

Find a complete list of grant recipients below: