City of Seattle’s PIVOT Cohort Tests New Models to Address Arts Underfunding

Pilot program helps organizations transform their business models

Seattle, WA (Oct. 6, 2026) – The Office of Arts & Culture (OAC) is six months into its two-year grant program, PIVOT (Pathways to Innovation, Vitality, and Organizational Transformation). It’s designed to provide critical support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Seattle. Beginning in 2026 and running through early 2028, this pilot supports a cohort of 15 organizations in becoming more sustainable and resilient, addressing financial challenges such as long-term underfunding, pandemic-related losses, and outdated operating structures. 

PIVOT uses $2 million annually from the Admission Tax to stabilize arts and cultural organizations that are not only major employers of creative workers but also significant contributors to Seattle’s economic vitality. 

“Our cohort of PIVOT grantees are learning from each other’s successes and struggles,” said Amy Nguyen, OAC director. “In these first six months, they’re defining how they can tell change is happening, what they and the sector need right now, and more. This isn’t just a band-aid. It’s wraparound assistance with a commitment to share meaningful lessons with the broader community of arts organizations.”

Cohort members benefit from peer-to-peer learning and community-building, receiving unrestricted funding alongside technical advising and leadership coaching. This combination of resources is designed to help organizations reassess their business models and move toward more sustainable operations in today’s challenging climate.

This initiative highlights the integral role of arts and culture in Seattle’s economic recovery, fostering active participation by the arts organizations that invigorate us.