An Arabian market in Spokane, like one would find in the big cities of the Middle East and North Africa.
Grantees
Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGA) funds multiple programs and projects three times every year through a competitive application process. Grant winners carry out arts related activities in the Spokane area during the twelve months following their award date. Awards can be for any amount up to $10,000.
SAGA defines the term “arts” by observing our community’s creative activity. We live in a region populated by many cultures, talented in varied crafts and trades, and curious about learning and engaging in technique, expression, and artistic community. SAGA has funded blacksmithing and glassblowing, cultural art forms such as canoe making, performance, exhibition, education, therapy, and individual artistic development. We have also funded arts-based businesses and new collaborations.
SAGA stands on the principle that creatives should be paid for the work they do and we educate both the broader community and the artistic sector that creative work has value.
2023 was SAGA’s seventh year serving the Spokane region. At the end of its seventh year, SAGA had funded 171 proposals providing a total of more than $800,000 dollars to local artists, organizations, and businesses. Below we provide a complete list of each of our awardees since our first year of funding in 2017.
View just the most recent year’s winners here.
Rachel Baker
untouchable is a comedy short film inspired by true stories about the pains of growing up. Originally a one-woman show, it tells the story of a girl growing up while navigating and overcoming limitations, bullying, and learning what it means to be a “good” person.
Devonte Pearson (T.S. The Solution)
A six track EP, educational workshops surrounding the release of the album, and a concert debuting the final product.
Friends of Mmofra
An outdoor exhibition reflecting the universality of play across place, culture and time.
Blue Door Theatre
Improv League is a year-long transformative program taught by local, professional improv faculty and offered for free to Spokane area high school students.
Robert Charloe
The project will capture the rich narratives and expressive portraits of Kalispel tribal elders.
Heather Litnauwista Metrokin Cannon
Cannon will study the process of transforming fish skins into usable leather, and hold an educational event in 2024 for Alaska Natives in the Spokane area.
HaveUHeard!?Live
You Oughta Know will feature five different panels on various aspects of the music and performing arts business Fall of 2023 / Spring 2024.
Spokane United We Stand
SAGA is providing support to compensate cultural artists in United We Stand’s International Arts and Foodfest (IAF) and provide materials and arts business education for IAF participants.
Eastern Washington University Department of Design
EWU’s Design Department has been awarded a SAGA grant to pilot university-based risograph residencies. These residencies will help advance the practices of local and regional artists in collaboration with students and the Spokane community.